Asplenium bulbiferum Fern

Overview

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as Mother Fern or Hen and Chicks Fern, is a tropical fern native to New Zealand. It is admired for its delicate, arching fronds and the unique way it produces baby plantlets along the fronds. These plantlets can eventually drop off and grow into new plants, making it a visually dynamic and interesting fern for indoor and outdoor spaces.

Appearance

• Fronds are finely divided, lacy, and arch gracefully.

• New fronds emerge light green and mature to a deeper green.

• The plant produces small bulbils (baby ferns) along the fronds, which can root if they fall onto soil.

• It grows in an upright clump, typically 30–60 cm tall indoors, and can form a larger, spreading clump outdoors in ideal conditions.

The overall look is delicate, tropical, and layered.

Reptile Safety

Asplenium bulbiferum is non-toxic and safe around reptiles, including species that may brush past or move through plants. It is suitable for reptiles that do not intentionally eat leaves, as repeated nibbling could damage fronds. Accidental contact is safe for all reptile types.

Indoor Use

• Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates medium light.

• Perfect for decorative pots, shelves, or terrariums.

• Enjoys humid areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or indoor greenhouses.

• Its arching fronds and baby plantlets make it visually interesting in any indoor plant collection.

Outdoor Use

• Thrives in shade or filtered light outdoors.

• Ideal for patios, under trees, or shaded garden corners.

• Protect from direct midday sun, frost, and strong winds.

• In warm, humid climates, it can be left outdoors year-round.

Terrarium Use (Plant-Only Terrariums)

• Works well in open or ventilated plant-only terrariums.

• Loves humidity but requires airflow to prevent rot.

• Can be displayed alongside moss, driftwood, and other tropical plants.

• Avoid sealed terrariums with stagnant moisture as this can damage fronds.

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light is ideal.

• Too much direct sun can scorch the fronds.

• Low light slows growth and reduces the appearance of baby plantlets.

Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

• Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.

• Avoid letting water accumulate in the crown of the plant, which can lead to rot.

Humidity

• Prefers medium to high humidity (50–80%).

• Helps maintain healthy, lush fronds and encourages baby plantlet formation.

• Perfect for terrariums, reptile rooms, or humid indoor spaces.

Temperature

• Ideal range: 18–28°C.

• Protect from cold drafts, frost, or sudden temperature fluctuations.

When to Repot

• Repot every 1–2 years or when the roots fill the pot.

• Best done in spring for fastest recovery.

• Use a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage.

Soil to Use

• Loose, airy, moisture-retentive mix:

  • potting soil

  • cocopeat or peat

  • perlite

  • optional fine bark

• Ensures proper drainage while keeping soil moist for healthy fronds.

Troubleshooting

Brown leaf tips

• Cause: low humidity or underwatering

• Fix: increase humidity, water consistently

Yellowing fronds

• Cause: overwatering or poor drainage

• Fix: let the soil dry slightly and ensure drainage

Slow growth or sparse plantlets

• Cause: insufficient light or low humidity

• Fix: move to brighter, indirect light and increase humidity

Soft, mushy base or fronds

• Cause: rot from standing water

• Fix: reduce watering, improve drainage, remove damaged fronds

Faded fronds

• Cause: low light

• Fix: relocate to brighter, indirect light