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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

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Plant nurseries
3 suppliers

Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Loam

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Partial shade

Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Aspleniaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: 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

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