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types of fern plants

If you’re enchanted by lush, leafy fronds and the timeless elegance they bring to homes and gardens, exploring the diverse types of fern plants is sure to inspire. Ferns have captivated plant lovers for generations with their unique foliage and stunning adaptability. Whether you’re searching for a statement indoor plant or adding green texture to shady borders, there’s a perfect fern for every space. In this guide, we’ll demystify the most popular types of fern plants available in New Zealand, their characteristics, and how you can grow these striking specimens in your own garden.

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

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.

Buy Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

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 (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.

Buy Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

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

Popular Types of Fern Plants in New Zealand

New Zealand’s temperate climate provides ideal conditions for a wide variety of ferns. Here are some standout types of fern plants that make beautiful additions to any collection:

Japanese Ferns

Japanese ferns are loved for their intricate foliage and striking colour variations. Two show-stopping options include the Athyrium Silver Falls (Japanese Fern Plant), celebrated for its silvery fronds, and the elegant Athyrium Okanum (Japanese Painted Fern Plant), which displays vibrant hues of green, purple, and silver. Both thrive in shadier spots with moist, well-drained soil, making them perfect for woodland gardens or as accent plants in shaded borders.

Rabbits Foot Fern

The whimsical Davallia fejeensis (Rabbits Foot Fern) stands out for its soft, feathery foliage and the furry, rabbit’s foot-like rhizomes that creep over the soil’s surface. This unique feature makes it a favourite for hanging baskets and decorative pots, where the rhizomes can be displayed.

Blue Star Fern

If you’re looking for something truly unique, the Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern) features wavy, blue-green fronds and an airy look. Its tolerance for lower light conditions and love of humidity make it an excellent choice for brightening up indoor spaces, especially bathrooms and kitchens.

Hen and Chicken Fern

A beloved native, Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern) is popular for its glossy, divided fronds and its remarkable ability to produce baby ferns (chickens) on the tips of the parent plant. This self-propagating feature makes it not only striking but also easy to grow and share.

Choosing the Right Fern for Your Space

With so many types of fern plants to choose from, consider your growing conditions before making a selection. Most ferns prefer dappled shade, consistently moist soil, and shelter from harsh winds. Indoors, ensure they receive indirect light and enough humidity to keep their fronds lush.

Caring for Ferns

Regular watering, mulching, and the occasional feed will keep all types of fern plants healthy and vibrant. Remove old or damaged fronds to encourage fresh growth and maintain their architectural beauty. With a little care, your ferns will reward you with year-round greenery and texture.

Whether you lean toward understated native species or eye-catching exotics, adding different types of fern plants will transform your home and garden. Explore our curated range, including Athyrium Silver Falls (Japanese Fern Plant), Athyrium Okanum (Japanese Painted Fern Plant), Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern), Davallia fejeensis (Rabbits Foot Fern), and Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern) to find your next garden favourite.

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.

types of fern plants

Asplenium bulbiferum (Hen And Chicken Fern)

Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

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