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