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baby tree fern

Discover the delight of the baby tree fern, a popular choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking lush, rainforest-inspired beauty in both small and large gardens. Baby tree ferns are highly sought-after for their vibrant green fronds, delicate appearance, and ability to bring a sense of ancient nature into contemporary landscapes. Whether you’re looking to establish a fernery, enhance your shady borders, or add unique textures to your plant collection, a baby tree fern promises both beauty and low-maintenance care.

An Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen and Chicken Fern) growing in a shaded postion and displaying lush, green fronds.

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

5 from 3 customers

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as the Hen and Chicken Fern or Pikopiko Fern, is a popular NZ native prized for its lush, arching fronds and ability to produce baby ferns (plantlets) along the leaf edges. Ideal for shaded gardens, underplanting, or pots, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil with protection from direct sun and wind.

From $26.15

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Ferns
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Tropical
podocarpus-gracilior-

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) is an elegant evergreen tree valued for its fine textured foliage, graceful form, and versatility in the landscape. Despite its common name, it is not a true pine but offers a similar evergreen presence with a softer and more refined appearance.

From $270.40

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: Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
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Melia azedarach tree.
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Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine)

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Teucrium 'Platinum Baby' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its striking silvery variegated foliage and naturally dense, rounded habit. Its...

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Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

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Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

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Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' (Silver Gum)

Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' is a highly popular evergreen tree admired for its stunning silver blue foliage and strong ornamental appeal. The rounded...

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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

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Fruit Tree Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth, strong root development, and productive fruiting in a wide range of fruit...

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PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

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Palm Tree Fertiliser

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

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A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

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Cyathea cooperi tree fern.
Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern)

Cyathea cooperi, commonly known as the Australian Tree Fern, produces a tall and slender, brown trunk and can grow up to 15 m tall with a spread of 8...

OUT OF STOCK
Blechnum fraseri fern with lush, green fronds.
Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern)

Blechnum fraseri is a distinctive NZ native fern admired for its upright, leathery fronds and strong architectural form. This hardy species thrives...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyathea cunninghamii tree ferns.
Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern)

Cyathea cunninghamii, commonly known as the Gully Tree Fern, produces a tall and slender, brown trunk and can grow up to 15 m tall with a spread of 6...

OUT OF STOCK
Davallia solida (Rabbit Foot Fern) plant with lush, green fronds.
Davallia solida (Rabbits Foot Fern)

Davallia solida (Rabbit Foot Fern) is a charming fern recognised for its soft, lacy fronds and furry rhizomes that creep gracefully over the soil...

OUT OF STOCK
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Platycerium bifurcatum Netherlands (Elkhorn Fern)

Platycerium bifurcatum 'Netherlands' is a striking ornamental fern admired for its dramatic antler shaped fronds and unique architectural form...

OUT OF STOCK
Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern) with slender, green fronds.
Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern)

Adiantum hispidulum, commonly known as the Rough Maidenhair Fern or Rosy Maidenhair Fern, is a NZ native that features short and showy fronds. Young...

OUT OF STOCK
A Cyathea smithii tree fern in a native reserve.
Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern)

Cyathea smithii, commonly known as Ponga Tree or Soft Tree Fern, is a beautiful New Zealand native fern admired for its graceful fronds and soft...

OUT OF STOCK
Asplenium obtusatum ferns in a shade garden and featuring lush, green fronds.
Asplenium obtusatum (Spleenwort Fern)

Asplenium obtusatum is a robust NZ native fern admired for its thick leathery fronds and compact upright habit. Well suited to coastal and forest...

OUT OF STOCK
Stunning Blechnum 'Silver Lady' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern)

Blechnum 'Silver Lady' is a graceful, compact fern admired for its soft arching fronds and vibrant green colouring. This refined fern brings elegance...

OUT OF STOCK
Athyrium niponicum fern.
Athyrium niponicum (Painted Fern)

Athyrium niponicum, commonly known as the Japanese Painted Fern, is a stunning deciduous fern prized for its delicate silver grey fronds highlighted...

OUT OF STOCK
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Albizia, Asplenium, and Dacrydium, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Ground Fern, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search baby tree fern

Why Choose a Baby Tree Fern?

Baby tree ferns are prized for their charming feather-like foliage that unfurls gracefully as they mature. The young ferns are perfect for starting your own tree fern collection or for planting in containers, shaded garden beds, or damp woodland settings. Native and exotic varieties thrive throughout New Zealand, adapting well to moist, shaded areas with humus-rich soil. Their compact size as juveniles makes them easy to handle and establishing them early means you’ll soon enjoy the iconic, arching fronds that mature ferns are known for.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Baby Tree Ferns

To help your baby tree fern flourish, plant it in a sheltered spot away from harsh winds and direct afternoon sun. Consistently moist but free-draining soil is essential, as is rich organic matter to mimic their native forest environments. Mulch regularly to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and water during dry spells, focusing on the crown of the fern. With time and proper care, your baby tree fern will produce the distinctive trunk that tree ferns are famous for, becoming a dramatic feature in your garden.

Complement Your Fern Collection

Expand the diversity of your shade garden with a range of ferns and fern-like plants. For unique New Zealand natives, consider Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern), celebrated for its lush, arching fronds and ability to produce miniature plantlets. The Blechnum fraseri (Miniature Tree Fern) delivers a compact tree fern look for smaller spaces, while the elegant Cyathea cunninghamii (Slender Tree Fern) is ideal for shady borders needing architectural interest.

Looking beyond ferns, the Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) offers finely textured foliage and is a fantastic companion tree in mixed plantings. For those seeking a classic tree fern, the fast-growing Cyathea cooperi (Australian Tree Fern) is an excellent choice, adding dramatic height and a tropical feel.

Caring for Your Baby Tree Fern

In the early stages, baby tree ferns benefit from consistent watering, protection from frost, and organic mulch. Avoid damaging the delicate fern crown, as this is the growing point. Over time, your patience will be rewarded with vigorous, lush growth and an enchanting focal point for your garden. Baby tree ferns are not only a joy to grow but also contribute to biodiversity and support shaded, moist habitats for native wildlife.

Ready to add a touch of prehistoric charm to your garden? Begin your journey with a baby tree fern and explore the possibilities for dramatic, sustainable plantings in your New Zealand landscape.

Contact us

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
There’s more to explore beyond Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) and Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' — like the subtle beauty of Agapanthus 'Bertsbrook', Acer 'Autumn Glory', and Escallonia 'White Knight'.
–The Plant Company

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