Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Conservatory GreenhouseFerns

Asplenium bulbiferum Forst.f.

hen and chickens fern

A tufted evergreen fern to 75cm, with finely divided light green fronds bearing small plantlets on the upper surface

Other common names
mother spleenwort
New Zealand common spleenwort
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Aspleniaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Asplenium are evergreen ferns with short, usually erect rhizomes bearing a rosette of slightly leathery fronds which may be simple, pinnate to 3-pinnate

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Australia, New Zealand

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors in bright indirect light, in a container using three parts peat-free multipurpose compost, one part peat-free John Innes No.3, and added horticultural grit, occasionally misting the fronds for moderate humidity. Water to keep the compost moist but not soggy and use a half strength general liquid fertiliser monthly between May and August. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores or by potting up plantlets when 3 or 4 leaves have formed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.