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tree ferns in pots

Tree ferns in pots are a striking way to bring lush, prehistoric greenery into patios, courtyards, and sheltered balconies across New Zealand. Whether you’re short on garden space or seeking a bold architectural statement, potted tree ferns offer the elegance and vibrant foliage of the forest—without the need for a spacious backyard. With careful selection and the right care, these impressive ferns will thrive in containers, offering year-round texture and interest. On this page, discover the best tree fern varieties for pots, practical tips for growing them, and inspiration for combining them with other shade-loving ferns.

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. This fern adds a soft, tropical feel to any space and is low-maintenance, making it a favourite for both indoor and outdoor use.

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
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.

From $37.73

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
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$450.68
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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...

From$299.92
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

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

From$12.50
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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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Robinia Frisia

Robinia Frisia, commonly known as the Golden Robinia, features fern-like foliage that emerges light yellow-green in spring, ages to become...

From$343.89
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$50.99
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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...

From$42.50
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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$32.50
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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$5.00
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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$23.75
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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$68.75
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Palm Tree Fertiliser (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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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$13.40
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PB28 Planter Bags (Growing Bag)

These PB28 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 12 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$109.66
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Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
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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$43.44
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

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Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
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...

From$97.13
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Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
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Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
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Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
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Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
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Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
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Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Asplenium, Cedrela, Dacrydium, Jacaranda, Magnolia, Melia, Phlebodium, Podocarpus, Robinia, Schefflera, Schinus Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Palm Tree Fertiliser, Plant pots, Planter Bags, Ground Fern, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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Why Grow Tree Ferns in Pots?

Growing tree ferns in pots has become increasingly popular for both renters and homeowners. Pots provide flexibility to move your plants as needed for optimal light and shelter, and to highlight their beauty as feature specimens near entryways or outdoor entertaining areas. Potted tree ferns also make excellent focal points in shaded corners where little else performs, and they can be underplanted with ferns like Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern) for additional lushness.

Best Tree Ferns for Pots

Not all tree ferns are suited to life in a container, but compact or slow-growing species can flourish in large pots with some attention. One standout choice is Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern). This tidy, small-scale tree fern is perfect for pots, with graceful fronds and a trunk that slowly develops with age. Its manageable size and resilience make it ideal for courtyards and sheltered decks.

For those seeking a lush, fern-filled container scene, complement your tree fern with textural companions like Davallia solida (Rabbits Foot Fern), Davallia fejeensis  (Rabbits Foot Fern), and Pellaea rotundifolia (Button Fern). These ferns thrive in similar conditions and spill attractively over the edges of large tubs.

Tips for Growing Tree Ferns in Pots

To keep your tree ferns in pots healthy and looking their best, start with a large, stable container—ideally at least 40–50cm across. Use a moisture-retentive potting mix with good drainage and position your pots where they’ll receive dappled shade, sheltered from hot midday sun and drying winds.

Watering is crucial; tree ferns enjoy consistently moist (but not soggy) soil and benefit from occasional misting to keep their fronds lush. Feed regularly with a gentle liquid fertiliser to support leaf growth, and repot every few years or when you see roots circling the pot.

Design Ideas

For a lush, rainforest-inspired display, group your tree ferns in pots with other shade-loving plants. Underplant Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Dwarf Tree Fern) with low-growing ferns like Pellaea rotundifolia (Button Fern) and fluffy Adiantum hispidulum (Rough Maidenhair Fern) to create verdant layers. Mix in textured foliage from Davallia solida (Rabbits Foot Fern) and Davallia fejeensis  (Rabbits Foot Fern) for extra interest.

Find Your Next Potted Fern

With the right variety and a little care, tree ferns in pots can transform any shaded outdoor space into a lush, tranquil retreat. Explore our full range of ferns online to find all the inspiration and expert advice for your next potted plant success.

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.
Sure, Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) and Alchemilla mollis are crowd-pleasers, but Callistemon 'Hot Pink' (Pink Bottlebrush), Feijoa 'Arhart', and Camellia 'Cinnamon Cindy' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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