Alphabetical Plant Listing

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chickens Fern)

Hen and Chickens Fern, Mother Fern, Mother Spleenwort, New Zealand Common Spleenwort


Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chickens Fern) is a tufted evergreen fern with gracefully arching, finely divided, light green fronds bearing bulbils at their tips. These plantlets will eventually weigh the frond down, fall off when they reach 2 in. (5 cm), and grow into new ferns after they touch the moist soil. The feathery foliage of Hen and Chickens Fern remains lush and fresh-looking throughout the year. Low maintenance, disease and pest free, this delicate-looking Fern is ideal for containers and hanging baskets where it can be admired close-up or in a shady rock garden.

  • Grows up to 4 ft. tall (120 cm) and 3 ft. wide (90 cm).
  • Where hardy, grow outdoors in part shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. To be kept out of direct sunlight.
  • May be grown as a houseplant in a mix of equal parts loam, coarse leaf mold, sharp sand, and charcoal. Water moderately when in growth, water sparingly over winter. When in growth, apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer monthly.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
  • Propagate by sowing spores or by potting up plantlets.
  • Native to Australia, New Zealand.

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Heat Zones 8 – 11
Climate Zones 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Asplenium - Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden

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By nnattalli, Sindii, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Heat Zones 8 – 11
Climate Zones 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Asplenium - Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden

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