Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as Mother Spleenwort or Hen and Chickens Fern, is a beautiful, evergreen fern native to New Zealand and parts of Australia. It’s famous for its elegant, arching, deeply-cut, lacy fronds. Its unique name comes from the tiny, bulb-like plantlets (or ‘chickens’) that grow on the surface of the mature fronds. These plantless can be carefully removed and planted to create new ferns. This fern is an excellent choice for a sheltered, shady spot in the garden or as a lush, indoor pot plant.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers a sheltered spot in deep to dappled shade. Avoid direct sun, which will scorch the fronds.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. This fern dislikes drying out. It also appreciates high humidity, so misting the fronds is a good idea, especially in dry environments.
- Soil: Plant in a rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Temperature: It’s quite hardy and can tolerate some cooler temperatures, but is not frost-tolerant.
- Maintenance: Remove any old or yellowing fronds to keep the plant tidy and healthy.
- Propagation: You can easily propagate this fern by gently removing the ‘chickens’ from the mother plant and planting them in a pot with good quality potting mix. Keep them in a humid, shaded spot until they are established.
