Asplenium bulbiferum aka Hen And Chickens
Taxonomy
Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as mother spleenwort or hen and chicken fern, is a native fern species found exclusively in New Zealand. It is also referred to as pikopiko, mouku, or mauku in the Māori language. The fronds of this fern are not only admired for their delicate, finely divided light green appearance but are also consumed as a vegetable. One unique characteristic of Asplenium bulbiferum is its ability to grow small bulbils on the upper surface of its fronds. Once these bulbils reach approximately 5 cm in size, they detach from the parent fern and, with sufficient moisture in the soil, develop roots and grow into new ferns. This mode of reproduction is more convenient than relying solely on spores. Similar Southern Hemisphere species, such as Asplenium daucifolium, exhibit a comparable method of reproduction. Asplenium bulbiferum can be found thriving in various environments ranging from shaded areas to those with partial sunlight. Although it is native to New Zealand, mother spleenwort is also a popular houseplant choice, known for its graceful, lacy fronds that resemble carrot tops. With proper light and watering, it can bring a vibrant, woodland ambiance to indoor spaces.
Common names
Hen And Chickens, Mother Fern, Mother SpleenwortHow to care for Hen And Chickens
Difficulty
Are you up for a challenge? Hen And Chickens will test your gardening skills and require extra care and attention to thrive.
Soil
Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Hen And Chickens is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.
Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Hen And Chickens prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Hen And Chickens is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.
Fertilizer
The growth of Hen And Chickens is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Hen And Chickens’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Asplenium Genus
Asplenium subglandulosum Asplenium Subglandulosum
Asplenium pinnatifidum Lobed Spleenwort
Asplenium onopteris Irish Spleenwort
Asplenium obtusatum
Asplenium resiliens Blackstem Spleenwort
Asplenium septentrionale Northern Spleenwort
Asplenium lepidotum Asplenium Lepidotum
Asplenium ceterach Rusty Back
Asplenium dimorphum
