Hapu'u Pulu: How low can it go?

[Mitzi M]

Daniel, what you have there may well be a native tree fern. Check out this CTAR link -

http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/FACULTY/CARR/cibotium.htm

They grow very slowly and can be shocked if they are moved. The thing to remember is that our endemic tree ferns can be terrestrial or epiphitic, (which means they may get their water and nutrients from the ground or just from the air.) From what I've learned so far, it may actually vary from plant to plant of the same species. You should water them in drought times, especially just after they've been planted, (maybe 5-10 gallons or like 5 minutes on a slow hose.) The main thing is to be sure to water them from the TOP down, thoroughly drenching the pulu, or downy gold filaments, as well as the soil below. Hapu'u pulu does best in semi-shade or full shade in lower areas. If you moved it from shade to sun, it might be stressed. Its best to try and match the plant's original growing conditions if you can. Either way, a little supplemental water will help.

John, thank you for your interest in what I do. I'll email you directly.

Aloha,
Mitzi

Uluhe Design
Restoration Based Landscape Design for Hawai'i
uluhedesign@yahoo.com