Parablechnum novae-zelandiae, commonly known as the palm-leaf fern, is a perennial herbaceous fern native to the forest floors, stream banks, and shaded gullies of New Zealand and close neighboring islands. It is characterized by its large, arching fronds that can reach up to 6.6 feet in length and 20 inches in width. The new fronds emerge with a distinctive pink hue before maturing to a deep green color, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. The palm-leaf fern’s fronds are reminiscent of palm leaves, hence its common name.

This fern is valued for its lush, tropical appearance and is often used in shaded garden areas, as a ground cover, or in container plantings for patios and indoor settings. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and prefers a position in part shade to full shade. While it requires consistent moisture, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions. The palm-leaf fern is relatively low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and may require protection from frost in cooler climates. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0