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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.

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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 typically grows to 20 m tall and 10 m wide but can easily be contained with trimming. Podocarpus gracilior makes a lovely shade tree, specimen, screen, or hedge. It also suits being included in a mixed planting in a large garden and or being used in an avenue planting.

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: Avenues, Hedging, Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Coastal, Formal, Mediterranean
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.

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
podocarpus-macrophyllus-maki-1

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
bambusa-golden-goddess-bamboo-

Bambusa 'Golden Goddess' (Bambusa Golden Goddess)

Bambusa multiplex Golden Goddess is a variety of Bamboo grown for its colourful, golden stems and graceful, dark green, fern-like foliage. It...

From$62.03
prostanthera-eddington-blue-

Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

From$26.93
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$19.58
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$32.33
aechmea-fasciata-

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
chlorophytum-curly--2

Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
bergenia-cordifolia-3

Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
duranta-geisha-girl-

Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
portulaca-pizzaz-sunset-

Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
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$24.23
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
sansevieria-hahnii-

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
serissa-snowflake--2

Serissa Snowflake (Snow Rose Plant)

Serissa Snowflake, commonly known as the Snow Rose plant, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lovely flowering and foliage. Showy, white flowers...

From$24.23
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$26.33
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$21.53
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$20.18
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
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$20.93
indoor-plant-fertiliser-

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$12.50
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$29.63
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$6.53
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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$7.50
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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$12.50
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1

Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets (Fertilizer 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$31.25
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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
Podocarpus gracilior (African Fern Pine)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bambusa, Bergenia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Coprosma, Duranta, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Mint, Monstera, Perovskia, Phlebodium, Podocarpus, Portulaca, Prostanthera, Sansevieria, Sedum Serissa and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Acid Loving Plants, Indoor Plant Fertiliser, Native Plant Fertiliser, Moss Poles, Plant pots, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Evergreen Trees.

Search types of fern plants

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.

–The Plant Company

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