Hen and Chickens Fern (Pikopiko, Manamana)

Asplenium bulbiferum

Not Threatened

Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as Hen and Chickens Fern, Pikopiko, or Manamana in te reo Māori, is one of New Zealand's most distinctive and beloved native ferns. Named for its remarkable ability to produce baby plantlets (the "chickens") directly on its fronds, this adaptable fern is both a fascinating botanical curiosity and a practical choice for gardeners. The name Manamana refers to its branching fronds, and with its lush, arching form and easy propagation, it has become popular both in New Zealand and internationally.

Hen and Chickens Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) showing plantlets growing on fronds

Image credit: Wikipedia

Quick Facts

Height	0.5-1 meter
Water Needs	Moderate to high
Light	Partial to full shade
Frost Tolerance	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Lifespan	Long-lived perennial

Climate Best Suited To

Hen and Chickens Fern is native to the forests of New Zealand, where it thrives in cool, moist, sheltered environments. It is found throughout the country in suitable habitats, particularly in damp, shaded areas of native bush. It prefers areas with consistent moisture and protection from direct sunlight and drying winds.

Regional Suitability

City	Climate Suitability
Whangārei	Ideal
Auckland	Ideal
Hamilton	Ideal
Tauranga	Ideal
Rotorua	Ideal
Gisborne	Moderate
New Plymouth	Ideal
Napier	Moderate
Whanganui	Ideal
Palmerston North	Ideal
Wellington	Ideal
Nelson	Ideal
Christchurch	Moderate
Dunedin	Ideal
Invercargill	Moderate

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Hen and Chickens Fern performs best in the following soil conditions:

Rich, humus-filled soil
Good moisture retention
Well-draining but consistently damp
Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0)
Benefits from added leaf mold or composted bark
Tolerates a range of soil types if moisture is adequate

Light Requirements

This fern prefers shaded conditions:

Dappled to deep shade
Protection from direct sunlight, especially midday sun
Morning sun tolerated in cooler regions
Ideal under canopy of taller trees or shrubs
Can tolerate more light if soil remains consistently moist
Avoid hot, dry, exposed positions

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Plantlets (Bulbils)

Difficulty: Easy

The easiest and most natural method:

Wait until plantlets on fronds have developed small roots
Either pin the frond to moist soil while still attached to parent plant
Or carefully remove plantlets from frond
Plant directly into small pots with moist potting mix
Keep consistently moist and in high humidity
Protect from direct sun and wind
Plantlets will establish in 4-8 weeks
Transplant to larger containers or garden when well-rooted

Division

Difficulty: Moderate

For creating larger plants more quickly:

Best done in early spring as new growth begins
Carefully remove plant from pot or garden
Gently divide the rootball into sections
Ensure each section has several fronds and healthy roots
Replant divisions at the same depth as original plant
Water thoroughly and keep consistently moist
Protect from direct sun and wind until established

Spores

Difficulty: Challenging

For those wanting a challenge:

Collect fertile fronds when spore cases (sori) turn brown
Place fronds on clean paper in a warm, dry place for 1-2 days
Collect the fine, dust-like spores that fall onto the paper
Prepare a sterile growing medium of peat and perlite
Sprinkle spores thinly over the surface
Cover with glass or plastic to maintain humidity
Keep at 18-21°C (65-70°F) in indirect light
Mist with distilled water to maintain moisture
Prothalli will form in 1-3 months
Young ferns will develop in 6-12 months
Transplant when several fronds have formed

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Shade gardens
Indoor plant
Rock gardens
Native gardens
Hanging baskets

Cultural Significance

Traditional food source (pikopiko)
Medicinal uses in rongoā Māori
Indicator of forest health
Part of traditional ecological knowledge

Ecological Value

Forest understory species
Provides shelter for small invertebrates
Soil stabilization
Indicator of healthy forest ecosystems

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

New fronds begin to emerge
Clean up any dead fronds
Good time for division
Monitor for pests

Summer

Maintain consistent moisture
Protect from hot afternoon sun
Watch for spider mites in dry conditions
Harvest pikopiko (young fronds) if desired

Autumn

Reduce watering frequency
Clean up fallen debris
Good time for planting
Check for spore production

Winter

Minimal watering needed
Protect from frost in cold areas
Remove any damaged fronds
Monitor for slug damage

When to Prune and How Much

Hen and Chickens Fern requires minimal pruning, mainly for maintenance and appearance:

Remove dead, damaged, or diseased fronds at any time
Cut old fronds at the base, close to the crown
Trim away plantlets if they become too numerous
Clean up fallen debris to prevent disease
Use clean, sharp tools to prevent infection

Always sterilize tools between plants to prevent the spread of disease. Avoid cutting into the crown or rhizome when pruning.

Planting Guide

When to Plant

The best time to plant Hen and Chickens Fern is during spring or autumn when temperatures are mild and rainfall is more reliable. This gives the plant time to establish before extreme weather conditions.

Site Selection

Choose a site with:

Dappled to full shade
Rich, well-draining soil
Protection from strong winds
High humidity
Sheltered position

Planting Procedure

Prepare a hole twice the width of the root ball
Mix compost into the planting soil
Plant at the same level as it was growing in the container
Water thoroughly after planting
Apply a layer of mulch around the plant
Keep soil consistently moist until established

Initial Care

Water regularly during the first growing season, especially during dry periods. Protect from direct sun and strong winds until established. Monitor for signs of stress or pest problems.

Propagation Methods

From Spores

Growing from spores requires patience but can produce many plants:

Collect mature fronds with dark spore cases
Place in paper bag to collect spores
Sow on sterile, moist growing medium
Keep warm (20-25°C) and humid
Expect germination in 4-6 weeks
Transplant when prothalli develop

From Plantlets

The easiest method, using the naturally occurring plantlets:

Wait for plantlets to develop roots while still attached
Cut plantlet from parent frond with roots attached
Plant in small pot with moist potting mix
Keep humid until established
Transplant when roots are well developed

By Division

For established plants:

Divide in spring before new growth
Ensure each division has roots and several fronds
Replant immediately at original depth
Keep well-watered until established

Cultural History

Hen and Chickens Fern, known as Manamana to Māori, has a significant place in New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage:

Traditional Māori Uses

Known as "pikopiko" or "manamana" in te reo Māori, with manamana referring to its distinctive branching form
Young unfurling fronds (koru) of manamana harvested as a food source
Considered a delicacy and still used in contemporary Māori cuisine
Used in traditional medicine for various ailments
Featured in traditional stories and as a symbol of new life and growth

Ecological Significance

Important component of native forest understories
Provides habitat for small invertebrates
Contributes to forest biodiversity
Helps prevent soil erosion on forest floors
Unique propagation method allows rapid colonization of suitable habitats

European Settlement Impact

Documented by early European botanists
Habitat reduced through forest clearance
Collected for Victorian-era fern gardens and terrariums
Exported internationally as a curiosity
Specimens sent to European botanical gardens

Contemporary Significance

Today, Hen and Chickens Fern is valued both for its ecological role in native forests and as an ornamental plant in gardens worldwide. Its unique propagation method makes it popular for educational purposes, and its edible fronds feature in New Zealand cuisine. Conservation efforts include preserving its natural habitat in protected forest areas and sustainable harvesting practices for food use.

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Scale Insects: May appear on fronds as small bumps. Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol or use horticultural oil.
Slugs and Snails: Often damage new fronds. Control with organic baits, copper tape, or beer traps.
Caterpillars: Occasionally feed on fronds. Hand-pick or use organic Bacillus thuringiensis spray if infestation is severe.
Mealybugs: Sometimes infest the crown and base of fronds. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Common Diseases

Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure well-draining soil and avoid waterlogged conditions.
Crown Rot: Often results from water sitting in the crown. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation.
Fungal Leaf Spots: Various fungi can cause spotting on fronds. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Powdery Mildew: May appear as white powder on fronds. Improve air circulation and treat with fungicide if severe.

Environmental Issues

Desiccation: Low humidity causes frond edges to brown and curl. Increase humidity with misting or mulching.
Sunburn: Direct sunlight causes yellowing and browning of fronds. Move to a more shaded location.
Frost Damage: Severe frosts can damage fronds. Protect with frost cloth during cold snaps.
Wind Damage: Strong winds can tatter fronds. Plant in sheltered locations or provide windbreaks.

Hen and Chickens Fern is generally resilient to pests and diseases when grown in appropriate conditions. Good cultural practices including proper spacing, appropriate watering, and good air circulation will prevent most problems. This fern is more susceptible to environmental stress than pest or disease issues, so focus on providing the right growing conditions.

Bonus Tip

Create a native fern collection by pairing Hen and Chickens Fern with other shade-loving native ferns like Blechnum discolor (Crown Fern) and Asplenium oblongifolium (Shining Spleenwort). Plant them in a shaded area with rich, well-draining soil and add some native ground covers like Pratia angulata for contrast. This combination creates a beautiful, low-maintenance native garden that provides year-round interest and supports local biodiversity.