Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

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.

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.

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
zamioculcas-black-knight-

Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which are thick, glossy, and near black in colour. The foliage can reach 60 cm tall and the 40 cm wide but is often much less than this when grown as a potted plant.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, 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...

From$270.40
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...

From$21.39
10-litre-plant-pots-
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...

From$5.76
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1
Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine)

Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Maki' (Fern Pine) is a compact, upright evergreen conifer prized for its dense, dark green foliage and naturally tidy growth...

From$192.51
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags provide a practical way to label plants, trays, pots, and nursery stock while resisting moisture during everyday growing...

From$26.78
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Asplenium 'Southern Belle' fern with lush, green fronds.
Asplenium 'Southern Belle' (Chicken Fern)

Asplenium Southern Belle is an elegant fern admired for its glossy arching fronds and symmetrical rosette form. It thrives in shaded NZ gardens and...

OUT OF STOCK
Large Asplenium Maori Princess in an orange pot with lush, green foliage.
Asplenium 'Maori Princess' (Chicken And Hen Fern)

Asplenium ‘Maori Princess’, also known as the Mother Spleenwort Fern, is a striking NZ native fern featuring glossy, dark green fronds with a...

OUT OF STOCK
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
nephrolepis-exaltata-emina-
Nephrolepis exaltata Emina (Crinkle Fern)

Commonly known as the Crinkle Fern, this is a popular indoor plant owing to its ease to grow and attractive foliage. It produces lush foliage that is...

OUT OF STOCK
doodia-australis-2
Doodia australis (Rasp Fern)

Doodia australis is a hardy evergreen fern admired for its fresh bronze red new fronds that mature to rich green, creating year round texture and...

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
Adiantum cunninghamii ferns with short fronds bearing small, green leaves.
Adiantum cunninghamii (New Zealand Maidenhair Fern)

Adiantum cunninghamii is a graceful NZ native maidenhair fern prized for its finely divided fronds and soft, airy appearance. With delicate leaflets...

OUT OF STOCK
Nephrolepis Mini fern in a pot.
Nephrolepis Mini (Mini Boston Fern)

Commonly known as the Mini Boston Fern, this is a popular indoor plant owing to its ease to grow and attractive foliage. It produces lush foliage...

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 - Asplenium, Juncus, and Podocarpus, or related Categories - Plant pots, Spades, and Ground Fern.

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.


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.

Gardeners love Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green', but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Thuja occidentalis 'Pyramidalis', Ficus elastica 'Melany', and Liriodendron tulipifera.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews