5 days ago I planted a dicksonia antartica fern in my garden. I would say that the trunk is approx 3- 4 ft high. Last years ferns have been chopped back and one new one is starting to sprout. But when I looked at it today the trunk and the crown is covered on ANTS! There is no sign of an ants nest nearby but they just seem very attracted to the plant. Is this normal? Should I try and get rid of them or are they harmless?
Many thanks
Sam
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- Green Thumb
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I'm wildly envious but tree ferns are just a dream here. I don't think the ants per se are a problem but it could be that your tree fern is infested with aphids or other sucking insects and that their honeydew has attracted the ants. I would go over it really closely with a hand lens looking for any sign of aphids, scale, mealy bugs, etc. You also ought to let the nursery you bought the fern from know that you may have a problem.
Last edited by MaineDesigner on Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ants shouldn't cause you any problems with a tree fern. I would do as MD suggested and check what they are after. Tree ferns are prone to all of these pests. No doubt you have had it wrapped up all winter and as our winter was so mild this year it would have become a nice breeding ground.
To keep your plant in tiptop condition you should apply a liquid seaweed feed into the crown. This will help it withstand any pests. Hopefully now it is unwrapped (not forgetting the weather is supposed to be very cold this weekend!) the birds and other predators will come and pick it clean for you.
To keep your plant in tiptop condition you should apply a liquid seaweed feed into the crown. This will help it withstand any pests. Hopefully now it is unwrapped (not forgetting the weather is supposed to be very cold this weekend!) the birds and other predators will come and pick it clean for you.
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- Super Green Thumb
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