Hmmm, we have a few tree ferns that my mom has been working on propagating. Let me check with her and I'll try to give you some tips! Those are beautiful ferns!

I've relocated them mostly by placing them horizontally in soil with high organic matter content, and while sometimes slow to resprout, they've come back just fine. Only once have I replanted one vertically like you were talking about (perhaps 7-8" deep), but it did fine as well. Same deal with the soil qualities. They need the moisture. Always hacked all formed fronds off, and only left the small unfurled buds on when transplanting, same as any other plant in order to minimize stress.

I just don't have much experience with the vertical plantings to have any other details to share on that particular method of planting.

I have done it!

I cut the tree fern off with a chainsaw and planted it where I wanted it to be.

It wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be.

I was surprised by the pattern on the cut end of the "stump".

My understanding is that if I keep the growing top and the base well watered it should be OK until it develops a root system.

I buried the butt end about 10" to 12" into the ground with a lot of organic matter packed into the hole around it with the excess soil laid on top to help hold the cutting upright.

The top of the growing tip is about knee high.

We have many of a native sedge growing on out lot.They form larger mounds of humus and other organic matter.

I took a tiller and broke part of a mound up to put into the hole.

Any informed suggestions as to how to deal with it until it becomes established?

Your Hapu'u looks great. I noticed that you had it growing in full sunlight. How does it handle full sunlight? Do I need to grow my Hapu'u in partial shade? By Gregg L. Friedman MD