Hens and Chickens Ferns, with their distinctive appearance, offer a unique addition to any plant collection. They are admired for their graceful fronds and the small plantlets that emerge along their edges, giving them their charming common name. This unusual reproductive method makes them a captivating subject and provides an engaging way to propagate new plants.
Understanding Hens and Chickens Fern
The Hens and Chickens Fern, scientifically known as Asplenium bulbiferum, is an evergreen fern species native to Australia and New Zealand. It thrives in diverse habitats, producing feathery, finely divided, light green fronds up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) long. Its most notable feature is the formation of small plantlets, or bulbils, directly on the surface of its mature fronds. These plantlets grow to about 5 centimeters (2 inches), allowing them to touch the soil and root, thus creating new ferns.
Care Guide for Hens and Chickens Fern
Caring for Hens and Chickens Ferns involves understanding their preferences for light, water, and humidity. Providing optimal conditions helps these ferns flourish indoors.
Light
Hens and Chickens Ferns prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate partial shade. Placing them near an east or north-facing window is ideal, as direct sunlight can scorch their fronds. While they adapt to lower light, consistent medium light promotes healthy growth.
Watering
Maintain consistent soil moisture for these ferns. Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry, ensuring the potting mixture is moist but never soggy. Overwatering can lead to crown rot, and drying out completely causes browning fronds. Water from the pot’s edges rather than directly into the crown to prevent moisture accumulation.
Humidity
High humidity benefits Hens and Chickens Ferns, mimicking their native rainforest environment. To increase humidity, regularly mist the fronds. Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water) or using a humidifier can also help.
Soil
These ferns thrive in a well-draining, moisture-retentive potting mix rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is suitable. Use a quality peat-free multipurpose compost with added horticultural grit, or a mixture of loam, coarse leaf mold, and sand.
Temperature
Hens and Chickens Ferns grow well in average room temperatures, ideally 16 to 21 degrees Celsius (61 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). They tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 13 degrees Celsius (50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit) but require protection from drafts and extreme heat fluctuations.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed the fern monthly with a half-strength liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, and refrain from feeding during winter months when growth slows.
Propagating Hens and Chickens Fern
Propagating Hens and Chickens Ferns is straightforward, thanks to their unique method of producing plantlets. These small “chickens” that form on the fronds are essentially ready-made new plants, making it easy to expand your collection.
Once plantlets on the fronds have developed three or four miniature fronds and are about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long, carefully detach them from the parent plant. Place them directly onto the surface of a moist, good quality seed-raising mix or suitable potting mixture. Do not bury them deeply; simply press them gently onto the soil surface.
Keep the newly planted “chickens” consistently moist, avoiding waterlogging. Covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagating case helps maintain high humidity, supporting initial root development.
As new top growth appears, gradually reduce humidity by increasing ventilation over several weeks. Once established, treat young ferns as mature plants.
Common Issues and Solutions
Hens and Chickens Ferns are generally robust, but like all plants, they can encounter a few common problems. Addressing these issues promptly helps maintain the fern’s health and appearance.
Browning frond tips indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase air moisture through misting or pebble trays, and ensure a regular watering schedule.
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency. Adjust watering practices and ensure good soil drainage. If root-bound, repotting into a slightly larger container with fresh soil may resolve yellowing.
While generally pest-free indoors, watch for aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. Outdoor plants may attract slugs and snails. Good air circulation and appropriate pest control methods manage these concerns.