Malesian tree fern Alsophila contaminans
Malesian tree fern (Alsophila contaminans) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Cyatheaceae family, native to Malesia from Peninsular Malaysia to New Guinea (montane forest edges and landslips, mostly above 1,000 m). It grows 5–15 m (16–49 ft) tall and 4–6 m (13–20 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
Plan Malesian tree fern in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Malesian tree fern at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cyatheaceae |
| Mature height | 5–15 m (16–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Malesia from Peninsular Malaysia to New Guinea (montane forest edges and landslips, mostly above 1,000 m) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Malesian tree fern toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported; the frond stalks are spiny.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Malesian tree fern
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
See Malesian tree fern in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Gardens by the Bay (4 plants)
Questions about Malesian tree fern
- How far apart should I plant Malesian tree fern?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–6 m (13–20 ft).
- Does Malesian tree fern need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Malesian tree fern need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Malesian tree fern?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- Is Malesian tree fern poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported; the frond stalks are spiny.
- What grows well with Malesian tree fern?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Malesian tree fern. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Cloud Forest conservatory (Cloud Mountain, cool-moist montane climate), Gardens by the Bay
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical montane (cloud forest, about 1,000–3,000 m): needs cool, constantly humid air. In the hot lowlands it is grown in a cooled conservatory (as in the Cloud Forest dome, kept near 23–25 °C).
- Syn. Cyathea contaminans. A slender trunk to 15 m with a crown of 3–4 m fronds on purplish, spiny stipes; spores, no flowers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Silver tree fern (ponga) Alsophila dealbata
- Spiny tree fern Alsophila spinulosa
- Lacy tree fern (Cooper’s tree fern) Sphaeropteris cooperi
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis