Australian Tree Fern vs Colocasia Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Australian Tree Fern
Cyathea cooperi
The Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi) is a fast-growing tree fern characterized by its elegant, arching fronds and distinctive trunk covered in brown scales. It's primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in humid, subtropical environments. Its large size and specific environmental needs make it challenging to grow indoors long-term. People grow it for its tropical appearance and architectural interest in gardens and landscapes. It can reach impressive heights in its natural habitat. The plant's beauty lies in its delicate-looking but resilient fronds.
Colocasia
Colocasia esculenta
Colocasia esculenta, commonly known as Taro or Elephant Ear, is a tropical perennial grown for its large, heart-shaped leaves. It's primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in warm, humid environments. People cultivate it for its ornamental foliage, which comes in various colors and patterns, and for its edible corms (underground stems), which are a staple food in many cultures. While it can be grown indoors, it requires very specific conditions to thrive and often struggles to reach its full potential.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Australian Tree Fern | Colocasia |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. | Bright, indirect light to full sun outdoors. Indoors, requires very bright light, ideally near a south-facing window with supplemental lighting. |
| Watering | Every 2-4 days, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. | Every 2-5 days, depending on light and temperature. |
| Humidity | 60-80% | 60-80% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 21-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Fast, Especially Outdoors. Can Be An Aggressive Spreader Via Rhizomes. |
| Max Height | Indoors: 1-2 meters (difficult to maintain this size long-term) | Indoors: 0.6-1.2 meters (2-4 feet). Outdoors: up to 2.4 meters (8 feet). |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and tree fern fiber is ideal. | Well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost is suitable. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly | 30 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Australian Tree Fern
| Scientific Name | Cyathea cooperi |
|---|---|
| Family | Cyatheaceae |
| Native To | Eastern Australia (New South Wales and Queensland) |
| Also Known As | Australian Tree Fern, Cooper's Cyathea, Lacy Tree Fern |
| Leaves | Large, lacy, bright green fronds that can reach up to 4 meters in length. The fronds are divided into numerous leaflets, giving them a delicate and feathery appearance. |
| Flowers | Does not flower indoors. Tree ferns reproduce via spores, not flowers. |
Colocasia
| Scientific Name | Colocasia esculenta |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Native To | Southeast Asia |
| Also Known As | Taro, Elephant Ear, Dasheen, Eddoe |
| Leaves | Large, heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves, typically 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) long and wide, but can grow larger. The leaves come in various colors, including green, purple, black, and variegated patterns. The texture is smooth and slightly waxy. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers on a spadix surrounded by a spathe, similar to other members of the Araceae family. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Australian Tree Fern
Colocasia
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Australian Tree Fern
Methods: Spores, Division (of pups that grow at the base of the trunk)
Difficulty: Difficult
Tips: Spore propagation is very slow and requires sterile conditions. Division is more practical but requires careful handling to avoid damaging the parent plant.
Colocasia
Methods: Division of rhizomes, corms, and seeds (though seeds are less common).
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide rhizomes in spring or summer. Ensure each division has at least one growth point (eye). Plant in well-draining soil and keep moist. Corms can be planted directly in soil.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Australian Tree Fern
The Australian Tree Fern's fast growth rate and large size distinguish it from other ferns. Its trunk, covered in brown scales, adds a unique texture and visual appeal. It's also relatively adaptable to different soil types.
- ✓ Creates a lush, tropical atmosphere
- ✓ Adds architectural interest to gardens
- ✓ Provides a sense of tranquility
- ✓ Can improve indoor air quality slightly by increasing humidity
- ✓ Offers a connection to nature
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Colocasia
Colocasia esculenta is unique for its large, heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors and patterns. Unlike Alocasia, its leaves typically point downwards. Its edible corms are a staple food in many cultures, making it both an ornamental and practical plant.
- ✓ Adds a tropical aesthetic to your home or garden.
- ✓ Provides a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
- ✓ Can be a conversation starter due to its unique appearance.
- ✓ Edible corms (with proper preparation) provide a source of food.
- ✓ Large leaves can help to increase humidity in a small area.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Australian Tree Fern
Colocasia
🌞 Light Requirements
Australian Tree Fern
Bright, indirect light to partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Colocasia
Bright, indirect light to full sun outdoors. Indoors, requires very bright light, ideally near a south-facing window with supplemental lighting.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Australian Tree Fern
Water frequently to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to slightly dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the fronds to dry and brown. Ensure good drainage.
Colocasia
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a mushy stem. Underwatering results in drooping leaves and dry, crispy edges.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Australian Tree Fern
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 60-80%
Colocasia
Temperature: 21-27°C
Humidity: 60-80%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Australian Tree Fern
Cyathea cooperiExperienced plant enthusiasts who can provide the high humidity and bright, indirect light required for this fern to thrive.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a dramatic, tropical statement plant for a large, bright space.
- You can provide consistently high humidity.
- You are experienced with fern care.
- You live in a mild climate where it can be grown outdoors year-round.
- You have a greenhouse or conservatory.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited space.
- You cannot provide high humidity.
- You are a beginner plant owner.
Colocasia
Colocasia esculentaExperienced plant enthusiasts who can provide the specific environmental conditions required for tropical plants.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You love bold, tropical foliage and are willing to provide high humidity and bright light.
- You have experience growing other tropical plants and understand their needs.
- You want a statement plant that adds a dramatic touch to your indoor or outdoor space.
- You are interested in growing edible plants (with proper research and preparation of the corms).
- You have a greenhouse or sunroom where you can provide the ideal growing conditions.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant, as it is toxic.
- You cannot provide consistently high humidity and bright light.
- You are a beginner plant owner looking for a low-maintenance plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Both plants have similar basic care requirements but differ in appearance and specific needs. Compare plants carefully to find the best fit for your space.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Australian Tree Fern Care Tips
Australian Tree Ferns are challenging to grow indoors due to their high humidity and light requirements. They need consistent moisture and are prone to drying out in typical indoor environments. Maintaining adequate humidity is crucial for their survival. They are best suited for outdoor environments or greenhouses.
- Mist the fronds regularly to increase humidity.
- Use rainwater or distilled water to avoid mineral buildup on the fronds.
- Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Protect from strong winds, which can damage the fronds.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Colocasia Care Tips
Colocasia esculenta is primarily an outdoor plant that requires high humidity, bright light, and consistent moisture. Growing it indoors is challenging due to the difficulty in replicating these conditions. It's also toxic to pets. Requires frequent repotting due to rhizomatous growth.
- Provide consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Increase humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season to support healthy growth.
- Protect from direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Repot annually to provide fresh soil and room for the rhizomes to grow.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Australian Tree Fern
Colocasia
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Australian Tree Fern
What are the light requirements for Australian Tree Fern?
Australian Tree Ferns require bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate fronds, causing them to turn brown and crispy. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning light. A north-facing window can also work, especially if supplemented with artificial light. If you place your fern near a south or west-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
How do I care for Australian Tree Fern?
The Australian Tree Fern thrives in consistently moist conditions and high humidity. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels slightly dry. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to browning fronds. Provide bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch the fronds. Maintain humidity levels above 60% by misting regularly, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
How do I propagate Australian Tree Fern?
Australian Tree Ferns can be propagated by division or spores, though spore propagation is more challenging. For division, carefully separate the trunk into sections, ensuring each section has roots. Plant each section in its own pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide high humidity.
Colocasia
What are the light requirements for Colocasia?
Colocasia plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, leading to unsightly brown spots. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning light. If you only have access to south or west-facing windows, filter the light with sheer curtains. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and a loss of leaf color vibrancy. Rotate your Colocasia periodically to ensure even light exposure on all sides. If natural light is insufficient, consider supplementing with a grow light. Observe your plant carefully for signs of stress, such as leaf burn or pale coloration, and adjust the light accordingly.
How do I care for Colocasia?
Colocasia plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Water frequently, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Colocasia prefers high humidity, so mist regularly or use a humidifier, especially indoors. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce fertilization during the fall and winter. Repot the plant as needed when it becomes root-bound. Prune away any yellowing or damaged leaves. Provide temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) for optimal growth. Protect from frost. Monitor for pests such as spider mites and aphids and treat accordingly. Ensure adequate air circulation.
How do I propagate Colocasia?
Colocasia can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, or air layering. For division, carefully separate the rhizomes during repotting, ensuring each division has healthy roots and at least one leaf. Plant each division in its own pot with well-draining soil. For stem cuttings, take a cutting with at least one node and place it in water until roots develop, then plant in soil. Air layering involves wounding a stem, wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss, and covering it with plastic wrap until roots appear, then cutting it below the roots and planting it. Maintain high humidity and warm temperatures during propagation for best results. Ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Propagating during the growing season (spring or summer) increases success rates.
Last updated: May 15, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.