pikopiko
about.
Asplenium bulbiferum | pikopiko, hen and chicken fern, mother spleenwort
A popular fern valued for its lush, arching fronds and distinctive ability to produce small plantlets along the leaf edges. These “baby ferns” give the plant its common name and allow it to spread naturally. The bright green, finely divided foliage creates a soft, textured effect that adds depth and a subtropical feel to shaded spaces. This fern thrives in moist, well-drained soil in dappled to full shade and benefits from a sheltered position away from direct sun and strong winds. It is well suited to native gardens, fern collections, shaded courtyards, underplanting, and containers, and can also be grown successfully indoors. Low maintenance once established, it should be planted approximately 50 to 70 cm apart to allow fronds to spread. At maturity, it forms a dense clump around 1 m tall and 1 m wide.
typical habitat.
lowland forest
drainage.
moist
sun.
partial shade
full shade
mature specifications.
height | 1m
width | 1m
did you know?
Asplenium bulbiferum reproduces by growing small bulbils along the upper surface of its fronds. Once these plantlets reach about 5 cm in size, they drop off and, if they land on moist soil, quickly form roots and grow into new ferns. This method of reproduction is far easier and more reliable than propagation by spores. Several related Southern Hemisphere species share this strategy, including Asplenium daucifolium.