How to Grow Necklace Fern
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Necklace Fern
Asplenium flabellifolium
fernAsplenium flabellifolium is a delicate, creeping fern native to Australia with distinctive fan-shaped fronds that resemble tiny green necklaces cascading from stems. It produces small plantlets along its runners, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and terrariums. This evergreen fern is prized for its ornamental foliage and low-maintenance growing requirements indoors.
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Example Necklace Fern timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Necklace Fern
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Necklace Fern
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grow indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Necklace Fern timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksNew plantlet develops roots and establishes in soil. Initial fronds are tiny and tightly coiled.
Keep soil evenly moist without waterlogging. Maintain high humidity (60-80%). Protect from drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsFronds gradually unfurl and elongate, displaying characteristic fan-shaped leaflets. Runners begin to develop creeping stems.
Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Support runners with moss poles or allow to cascade. Feed monthly with dilute liquid fertilizer.
Runner Development
OngoingStolons (runners) extend along soil or basket edges, producing new plantlets at nodes with small rosettes of leaves.
Guide runners into desired positions. Mist regularly to encourage plantlet development. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Maturation
6+ monthsPlant develops dense cascading growth with multiple fronds and established plantlet chain. Fronds reach full fan-like appearance.
Continue regular misting and even watering. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during growing season. Prune dead fronds as needed.
Propagation
Ongoing after maturityEstablished plantlets along runners develop sufficient roots for separation and independent growth.
Gently separate rooted plantlets from main plant. Plant in small pots with fern mix. Maintain high humidity until established.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate infected plant. Wipe fronds with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
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Increase humidity significantly. Spray foliage with water. Apply miticide or neem oil if severe.
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Remove manually with soft brush. Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to affected areas.
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Use sticky traps. Apply sand to soil surface to prevent egg-laying.
Uses
Hanging Basket Display
HouseholdThe cascading growth habit and delicate foliage make necklace fern ideal for hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, and macramé hangers indoors. Its attractive necklace-like runners drape beautifully and create living home décor. [source]
Terrarium & Wardian Case Plant
HouseholdDue to its preference for moist, humid environments and compact growth, this fern thrives in closed terrariums, glass domes, and bottle gardens where it maintains humidity naturally. Perfect for creating miniature living landscapes. [source]
Indoor Air Quality
HouseholdLike most ferns, Asplenium flabellifolium removes toxins from indoor air, particularly formaldehyde, and increases humidity through transpiration. Excellent for offices and living spaces where air quality improvement is desired. [source]
Botanical Illustration & Collection
CraftCollectors of ornamental ferns value this species for its unique fan-shaped fronds and cascading growth form. Pressed fronds are used in botanical art, herbals, and framed displays. [source]
Humid Microhabitat
WildlifeThe dense foliage and high-humidity environment created by this fern provides shelter and moisture for small beneficial insects, springtails, and other arthropods that thrive in tropical houseplant conditions. [source]
Harvest Tips
Asplenium flabellifolium is an ornamental fern, not harvested for food or material. Propagate by carefully detaching rooted plantlets that develop along runners and potting them individually. Separate plantlets once they have developed 2-3 small fronds and visible roots (typically 2-3 months after appearing).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Asplenium flabellifolium is native to moist habitats in eastern Australia and is sometimes called 'Walking Fern' in some regions because the plantlets that develop along runners look like footprints walking across the soil.
- 🌱 This fern produces spores on the underside of its fronds in distinctive linear patterns called 'sori,' which is characteristic of the Asplenium genus; these can be propagated by fern enthusiasts, though plantlet propagation is easier for home growers.
- 🌱 The remarkable necklace-like appearance of the cascading runners led to its common name; each plantlet is strung along the runner like beads on a delicate chain, creating a living jewelry effect in hanging containers.
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