Asplenium

Asplenium Nidus – Best In New Zealand!

Growing ferns such as Asplenium nidus and Asplenium birds nest fern delivers a vast range of benefits:

• It helps to preserve New Zealand’s species.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have a wide range of ferns, including asplenium birds nest fern, Asplenium nidus, Asplenium bulbiferum, and Asplenium scolopendrium (to name a few). Our Asplenium ferns are ready for their new home. We’ll help you find the right fern for your space and you can choose from a wide variety of New Zealand-native plants that have been eco-sourced and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Asplenium nidus or other ferns, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Asplenium Questions

1. How do you take care of a bird's nest fern?

Bird's nest ferns are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and thriving:

• Bird's nest ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
• They like to be kept moist, but not sodden. Water them regularly, but try to avoid constantly overwatering them.
• Bird's nest ferns prefer high humidity. If you live in a dry climate, you can increase the humidity around your fern by placing it on a pebble tray or by misting it regularly.
• They prefer warm temperatures, between 20-25 degrees Celsius. Avoid placing them in drafts or near cold windows.
• Feed bird's nest ferns regularly with a liquid feed or light applications of a balanced fertiliser every 2-3 months.

2. What are ferns?

Ferns are one of the oldest and most diverse groups of plants on Earth. They have been around for over 400 million years and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from rainforests to deserts. Ferns are known for their beautiful foliage, which can range in colour from bright green to dark red to purple. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.

3. Choosing a fern

There are over 10,000 species of ferns, so there is sure to be one that is perfect for your garden. When choosing a fern, consider the following factors:

• Size: Ferns come in a variety of sizes, from small ferns that can fit in a pot to large ferns that can grow to be several metres tall.
• Light: They prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
• Soil: They prefer well-drained soil that does not dry out.
• Climate: Ferns are relatively hardy plants, but some species are more cold-tolerant than others, so it is worth doing the research before buying.

4. Planting ferns

Ferns can be planted in the ground or grown in pots. When planting a fern, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant. Place the fern in the hole and backfill with soil, firming down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the plant well after planting. Growing a fern in a pot is similar except the soil used must be potting mix.

5. Asplenium ferns in the landscape

Ferns can be used in a variety of ways, and are often used as groundcovers, included in borders, or maintained in containers. They can also be used to create a sense of privacy or to add texture and interest to a garden:

• Plant ferns under trees to add texture and interest to a shady area.
• Use ferns to create a natural border around your garden.
• Plant ferns in containers to add pops of green to your patio or deck.
• Use ferns to create a sense of privacy in your garden and to add a tropical theme.

6. Is Asplenium toxic to humans?

The toxicity of Asplenium varies depending on the specific species. Some species are known to be toxic to humans and pets, while others are considered non-toxic.

Toxic Asplenium Species:

• Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): This species contains a compound called saponin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea if ingested.
• Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris): This fern is also known to contain saponins and can cause similar symptoms to the bird's nest fern.

Non-Toxic Asplenium Species:

• Mother Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum): This species is considered non-toxic and is sometimes used in traditional medicine.
• Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes): This fern is also considered non-toxic and is a popular choice for terrariums.

General Recommendations:

• If you are unsure whether a specific Asplenium species is toxic, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid ingesting it.

7. Is Asplenium an indoor plant?

Many Asplenium species are popular indoor plants. They are known for their beautiful, delicate foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. However, specific care requirements will vary depending on the species.

Here are some of the most popular Asplenium species for indoor use:

• Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): This fern is known for its ruffled, leathery fronds that grow in a rosette shape. It is a relatively easy-care plant that does well in moderate to high humidity.
• Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris): This fern has delicate, fan-shaped fronds that resemble maidenhair hair. It requires high humidity and prefers indirect sunlight.
• Mother Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum): This fern has glossy, green fronds that grow upright. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that tolerates a wide range of light conditions.
• Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes): This fern has small, triangular fronds that grow in clusters. It is a slow-growing plant that prefers cool, shady conditions.

If you are considering adding an Asplenium to your indoor plant collection, be sure to research the specific care requirements of the species you choose.

8. Can Asplenium take direct sunlight?

In general, most Asplenium species prefer bright, indirect light and cannot tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the plant.

Here's a breakdown of light tolerance for some popular Asplenium species:

• Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): This species can tolerate a small amount of morning sun but prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves.
• Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris): This fern prefers filtered light or light shade. Direct sunlight will quickly damage the delicate fronds.
• Mother Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum): This species can tolerate moderate light levels, including some direct sun. However, too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
• Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes): This fern prefers cool, shady conditions and cannot tolerate direct sunlight.

Here are some signs that your Asplenium is getting too much sunlight:

• Brown or yellow spots on the leaves
• Dry, crispy edges on the leaves
• Stunted growth
• Curling leaves

If you notice any of these signs, move your Asplenium to a location with less direct sun.

9. Is Asplenium birds nest toxic?

Asplenium bird's nest (Asplenium nidus) is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

10. Is Asplenium bulbiferum sun or shade?

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as the mother fern or hen and chickens fern, prefers shade to partial sun. It thrives in areas with filtered or dappled sunlight.

11. How big does asplenium bulbiferum get?

The size of Asplenium bulbiferum (mother fern or hen and chickens fern) can vary depending on several factors, including:

Age: Mature mother ferns will naturally grow larger than young ones. Growing conditions: Adequate light, humidity, and soil will promote larger growth. Cultivar: Some cultivars are naturally larger than others.

Here's a general range of sizes you can expect:

Height:

• Average: 0.8 to 1 meter (2.6 to 3.3 feet)
• Range: 0.5 to 1.5 meters (1.6 to 4.9 feet)

Width:

• Average: 0.6 to 1 meter (2 to 3.3 feet)
• Range: 0.4 to 1.2 meters (1.3 to 3.9 feet)

Fronds:

• Length: Up to 1 meter (3.3 feet)
• Width: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)

It's important to note that these are just estimates, and some individual mother ferns may grow larger or smaller than this range.

12. What are the growing conditions for asplenium bulbiferum?

Asplenium bulbiferum, also known as the mother fern or hen and chickens fern, is a relatively easy-care plant that thrives in the right conditions. Here's a breakdown of its ideal growing environment:

Light:

• Prefers: Shade to partial sun
• Tolerates: Low light, but may grow slower
• Avoids: Direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves

Temperature:

• Ideal: 18-24°C (64-75°F)
• Tolerates: 15-30°C (59-86°F)
• Avoids: Temperatures below 10°C (50°F)

Humidity:

• Prefers: High humidity (60-80%)
• Tolerates: Average humidity (40-50%)
• Needs: Misting or placement on a pebble tray if the humidity is too low

Watering:

• Water: Regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Avoid: Overwatering, which can lead to root rot
• Tip: Water deeply and ensure excess water drains freely

Soil:

• Needs: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
• Good options: Potting mix for ferns, peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark
• Avoid: Heavy clay soil

Fertilizing:

• Feed: During the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer
• Dilute: Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label
• Frequency: Monthly or every other month

Potting:

• Repot: Every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes rootbound
• Choose: A pot with drainage holes slightly larger than the previous one
• Use: Fresh potting mix to avoid soilborne diseases

13. Is the hen and chicken fern a NZ native?

The hen and chicken fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) is a native plant of New Zealand. It is also known by its Maori names mouku and manamana. This fern species is widely distributed throughout the country, growing in forests, bush margins, and damp, shady areas.

14. Where is Asplenium native to?

The exact native range of Asplenium depends on the specific species. There are over 700 different species of Asplenium, and they can be found on all continents except Antarctica. Here are some examples of native ranges for different Asplenium species:

• Asplenium nidus: Tropical Southeast Asia, Eastern Australia, Hawaii, Polynesia, Christmas Island, India, and Eastern Africa.
• Asplenium bulbiferum: New Zealand, Australia, and the Kermadec Islands.
• Asplenium trichomanes: North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Adiantum capillus-veneris: North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.