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soft fern plant

If you're captivated by the delicate textures and lush greenery of ferns, the soft fern plant is a must-have addition to your home or garden. Loved for its feathery fronds and gentle, tactile appearance, the soft fern plant brings a calming sense of nature to both indoor spaces and shaded outdoor retreats. Whether you're hunting for the ideal plant to complement your fern collection, searching for low-maintenance indoor greenery, or hoping to create a woodland-inspired garden, the soft fern plant perfectly fits the brief.

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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. This attractive tree is ideal for screening, avenues, specimen planting, and large gardens. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Podocarpus gracilior (Fern Pine) provides year round structure, beauty, and long lasting landscape value.

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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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 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
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani plants growing in water.
Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Soft-Stem Bullrush)

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, commonly known as Softstem Bulrush, is a tall, upright aquatic plant valued for its slender blue-green stems and...

From$15.87
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
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...

From$20.01
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...

From$33.05
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
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
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
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
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$19.95
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
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
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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...

From$27.36
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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...

From$37.44
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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$23.04
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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...

From$48.96
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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$13.40
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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...

From$5.76
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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$15.47
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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...

From$79.20
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
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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$13.40
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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$36.00
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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
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PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$51.69
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
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PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
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PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
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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...

From$20.54
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

These industry standard labels are made from plastic infused paper which makes them both tough and waterproof. They are widely used across the...

From$26.78
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
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Chlorophytum, Cistus, and Mint, or related Categories - Grasses, Indoor Plants, and Perennials.

Search soft fern plant

What Makes the Soft Fern Plant Special?

The soft fern plant is renowned for its slender, velvety fronds and gentle touch – a feature that appeals to plant enthusiasts and beginners alike. Unlike coarse or rigid ferns, soft ferns have a more delicate leaf structure, making them visually soothing and wonderfully pleasant to handle. Popular varieties like the Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern) are New Zealand natives that thrive in shady, protected positions. Their graceful growth habit means they're as at home in hanging baskets as they are in serene, shaded borders.

Best Soft Fern Plant Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

There are several exceptional soft fern options suited to New Zealand conditions. For striking texture and resilience, many gardeners choose the Davallia fejeensis (Rabbits Foot Fern), with its fine, lacy fronds and distinctive furry root runners. The Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern), with its lush umbrella of soft fronds, is a beloved icon in native bush settings and provides a striking centrepiece for larger gardens. Another favourite is the Athyrium Okanum (Japanese Painted Fern Plant), valued for its silvery-green foliage and subtle, delicate colouring.

For those seeking something fern-like but with added versatility, the Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) offers a soft, needle-like appearance and can be shaped as a small tree or shrub, making it a wonderful companion to true soft ferns.

How to Grow and Care for Soft Fern Plants

The secret to thriving soft fern plants is to mimic their natural forest habitat: keep them in indirect light, maintain consistently moist (but not soggy) soil, and provide some humidity if they're indoors. They prefer soil rich in organic matter and respond well to gentle, regular misting. Mulching helps retain moisture in garden beds and pots. Soft fern plants generally dislike harsh sun and heavy wind, so choose sheltered sites and water regularly in dry weather for the healthiest, greenest fronds.

Perfect Uses for Soft Fern Plants

Soft fern plants are an excellent choice for creating calming, low-light corners indoors and for softening the edges of shady garden borders. Their fine foliage also works beautifully in woodland gardens, terrariums, and underplantings for larger trees or shrubs. With their gentle texture, soft ferns are popular in restorative garden designs and sensory spaces for their soothing appearance and touch. Whether mass planted or displayed solo, the soft fern plant transforms any area into a lush green oasis.

Bring home the gentle elegance of a soft fern plant and give your indoor spaces or garden beds a touch of New Zealand’s verdant tranquility. Explore the full range of ferns and fern-like plants in our collection — from the graceful Cyathea smithii (Ponga Fern) to the architectural Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine) — and find the perfect soft texture for your space.


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.

There’s more to explore beyond Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii' — like the subtle beauty of Skimmia japonica Rogersii, Lemon 'Lemonade', and Sequoiadendron giganteum.
–The Plant Company

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