Tree ferns are fascinating in their natural habitats, reaching magnificent heights with fronds often growing 10 to 20 feet long. The Pacific NW is much too cold for these sub-tropical plants to reach such a lofty stature and honestly are best grown in large containers so they can be moved outdoors to the summer shade garden then indoors when the temps drop below 50 degrees. The Australian Tree Fern, aka Lace Tree Fern, will grow slowly to about four feet tall, forming a short trunk as old fronds die. As a year-round house plant, it prefers a well-lit room but no direct sunlight, and regular watering when the top soil is dry. Be patient, and you will eventually have a striking specimen to fill the corner of a bright room.