5x Hen & Chicken Fern - $1.99 each
Asplenium bulbiliferum
Common Names: Hen and Chicken Fern, Mother Spleenwort, Pikopiko Fern
Family: Aspleniaceae
Origin: New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific
Plant Type: Evergreen Fern
Overview
Asplenium bulbiliferum, commonly known as Hen and Chicken Fern or Pikopiko Fern, is a graceful NZ native fern admired for its soft, arching fronds and distinctive ability to produce small plantlets along the leaves. These plantlets drop and form new plants, giving rise to the name “hen and chicken.” This lush, hardy fern thrives in shaded, sheltered gardens and is perfect for woodland plantings or naturalistic landscapes.
These are seconds left over at the of the batch, variable in size and a little mishapen, but good healthy plants at a bargain price.
See pictures of example plants for sale and the patch of plants to get an idea of actual size.
Key Features
Foliage: Soft, finely divided bright green fronds that arch outward gracefully
Flowers / Fruit: Ferns do not produce flowers; reproduction occurs via spores and small plantlets along the fronds
Form & Habit: Clumping fern forming a spreading, layered mound of foliage
Growth Rate: Moderate
Cultural & Ecological Value: Provides habitat and shelter for small insects and contributes to natural forest-style plantings
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 50–80cm |
| Spread | 60–90cm |
| Form | Arching clump |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Shade to part shade |
| Water | Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter |
| pH Range | Slightly acid to neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Light frost tolerant; prefers sheltered positions |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
• Woodland and shaded garden planting
• Understory planting beneath trees
• Naturalistic native gardens
• Suitable for containers in shaded areas
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Remove old or damaged fronds to maintain a tidy appearance
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during dry periods
Feeding: Apply compost or organic fertiliser in spring
Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy with few pest issues
Additional Tips
Plant in a sheltered location protected from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and improves growth.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
The edible young fronds of this fern, known as pikopiko, have traditionally been harvested and eaten in New Zealand, particularly by Māori.
Why Choose Asplenium bulbiliferum?
For lush green foliage, easy natural propagation, and a soft woodland aesthetic, Asplenium bulbiliferum is an excellent NZ native fern that brings texture and life to shaded gardens.
Pot Size:
These are our large size in 9cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
