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chicken fern plant

The chicken fern plant is a beloved feature of many New Zealand gardens and homes, thanks to its lush, tropical vibe and its talent for thriving in shady, moisture-rich spots. Whether you’re an avid fern collector or just looking for a reliable, easy-care greenery to brighten up your indoor or outdoor spaces, the chicken fern plant deserves a spot on your list. Its graceful, arching fronds and unique propagation method—forming tiny plantlets or “chickens” along the leaflets—make this fern both fascinating and functional, perfect for adding softness and visual interest wherever it’s planted.

podocarpus-gracilior-

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior, commonly known as the African Fern Pine, Fern Podocarpus, carries soft, weeping, deep green foliage held on rigid branches. It typically grows to 20 m tall and 10 m wide but can easily be contained with trimming. Podocarpus gracilior makes a lovely shade tree, specimen, screen, or hedge. It also suits being included in a mixed planting in a large garden and or being used in an avenue planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Avenues, Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
phlebodium-blue-star-

Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same wide. It grows best when positioned in partial shade on a well-drained soil in a sheltered spot. It will not tolerate wet growing conditions or frost. This Fern makes for a fantastic potted plant but can also be grown outdoors in warmer climates. In such environments it is often planted around pool and other outdoor living areas. This is an easy plant to grow and very forgiving.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
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Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus Maki, commonly known as Shrubby Yew Tree, Chinese Podocarpus, or Shrubby Podocarpus, produces dense, dark green leaves, with...

From$205.02
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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

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Davallia fejeensis fern.

Davallia fejeensis  (Rabbits Foot Fern)

Davallia fejeensis is a distinctive fern admired for its finely cut fronds and furry rhizomes that cascade beautifully over pots and ledges. Popular...

From$32.33
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PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$13.00
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

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Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

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Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

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Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.

Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

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2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$20.00
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3.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

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Ace1 Planting Spade

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5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

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PB2 Planter Bags (Plastic Plant Bags)

These PB2 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.2 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

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Indoor Plant Fertiliser (Indoor Plant Fertiliser)

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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

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Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

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PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

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PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

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PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

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Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Davallia, Duranta, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Phlebodium, Podocarpus, Prostanthera Sedum and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Acid Loving Plants, Indoor Plant Fertiliser, Native Plant Fertiliser, Plant pots, Planter Bags, Spades, Ground Fern, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Evergreen Trees.

Search chicken fern plant

What is the Chicken Fern Plant?

When Kiwis talk about the chicken fern plant, they’re usually referring to members of the Asplenium genus. The classic Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern) is iconic in New Zealand gardens, found from forests to shaded patios. This perennial fern thrives in moist, shady conditions and is famed for its ability to produce little “chicken” baby ferns on its fronds, which can drop down and start new plants—making it a favourite for gardeners who love easy propagation.

Popular Chicken Fern Varieties

There are a few standout varieties in the chicken fern plant family, each with its own subtle twists. The Asplenium 'Southern Belle' (Chicken Fern) offers a more compact, delicately feathered form, perfect for smaller spaces or containers. Meanwhile, the Asplenium 'Maori Princess' (Chicken And Hen Fern) features lush, deeply cut fronds with dramatic texture, adding a true tropical flair to your fern collection. Whether you’re into traditional species or new hybrids, there’s a chicken fern to match your garden’s style.

How to Grow Chicken Fern

Chicken fern plants are versatile and surprisingly forgiving. They thrive in dappled shade with moist, well-drained soil, suited to both in-ground planting and pots. Keep the soil consistently damp—these ferns dislike drying out—and feed them with a diluted liquid fertiliser during the growing season for best results. Good airflow and protection from harsh midday sun ensure your chicken fern plant stays lush and vibrant year-round.

Great Companions for Chicken Fern

To create a dreamy, layered fernery, pair the chicken fern plant with contrasting textures and colours. Ferns like Athyrium Silver Falls (Japanese Fern Plant) and Athyrium Okanum (Japanese Painted Fern Plant) offer beautiful silvery-grey and purple tones that highlight the fresh green fronds of your chicken fern. These combinations are perfect for shaded borders, underplanting trees, or filling out protected patio planters.

Why Choose the Chicken Fern Plant?

The chicken fern plant stands out for its adaptability and ease of care. With its rapid, rewarding propagation and lush good looks, it’s ideal for busy gardeners, beginners, and fern aficionados alike. Whether grown solo as a dramatic specimen or woven among a tapestry of woodland plants, the chicken fern brings a touch of native New Zealand forestry right to your home or garden.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Gardeners love Gardenia radicans and Azalea Pink Ice, but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Metrosideros 'Maungapiko', Escallonia 'Gold Brian', and Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple).
–The Plant Company

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