Xaxim (Dicksonia sellowiana)
Care, watering, light and tips for Xaxim on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Dicksoniaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Xaxim
Dicksonia sellowiana, known as the American tree fern, is an imposing perennial plant that evokes prehistoric landscapes with its robust trunk and finely divided fronds. Its majestic appearance makes it a spectacular focal point in shady gardens and sheltered patios, bringing lush texture and a tropical or subtropical ambiance. It can reach several meters in height, creating a natural canopy perfect for underplanting.
Native range
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay)
Care tips
This tree fern thrives in partial to full shade, protected from direct sun and strong winds that can damage its fronds. It requires consistent and abundant watering, especially on the trunk, which should be kept moist to encourage adventitious root growth; never let the substrate dry out completely. It prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils with plenty of organic matter. A common mistake is insufficient ambient humidity and lack of moisture on the trunk, which can lead to frond desiccation and stunted growth.
How to save a dying Xaxim
- Warning signs
- Fronds (leaves) dry from tips, turn brown and crispy; trunk (stipe) soft or moldy. New shoots fail to develop or are small/deformed.
- First aid
- Increase humidity with daily misting to trunk and fronds. Check drainage and soil; if compacted or dry, water thoroughly. Protect from direct sun.
- What kills it
- Low humidity and inconsistent watering. Direct sun also burns it. Prolonged waterlogging rots the trunk.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the trunk is still firm and green at the base, and there are new shoots. Requires patience and a humid, shady environment.