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Austral Gem Fern - Asplenium

Austral Gem Fern - Asplenium

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About This Plant

Austral Gem Fern (Asplenium hybrid) is a hybrid developed from Australian and Southeast Asian fern species in the spleenwort family. It grows thick, leathery, deeply divided fronds with a high-gloss surface. It stays compact, typically 30 to 45 cm tall and wide.

The thick, glossy fronds set it apart from every other fern. Most indoor ferns have soft, feathery fronds that drop readily under stress. The Austral Gem has thick, leathery fronds that hold their shape and stay on the plant through normal indoor fluctuations of moisture and humidity. It looks polished and tidy with minimal effort.

Safe for cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Asplenium (spleenwort) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Austral Gem is confirmed safe for homes with pets. It is one of the few lush, fern-textured plants that both looks good and poses no risk to curious cats or dogs.

It handles the dry forced-air heating in Canadian homes. Most ferns struggle indoors in Canada from November onward because forced-air heating drops indoor humidity significantly. The Austral Gem tolerates average humidity without misting, humidifiers, or pebble trays.

Winter Slowdown

The Austral Gem is one of the most winter-tolerant ferns for Canadian homes. It does not go dormant and its thick, leathery fronds hold up through the dry heated air that damages most other ferns. Growth slows from November onward but the plant stays green and rarely drops fronds.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Asplenium spp. listed as non-toxic). Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pests

Check the undersides of the thick fronds for scale insects and mealybugs each time you water. The thick glossy fronds are more resistant to spider mites than most ferns but are still vulnerable during the dry Canadian heating season.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Birds Nest Fern. Glossy and broad-fronded.

For another low-maintenance, glossy fern that handles lower light well, the Birds Nest Fern has broad, wavy fronds in a rosette shape and similar dry-air tolerance.

Asparagus Fern. Feathery and trailing.

For a completely different fern texture with soft cascading needles, the Asparagus Fern trails beautifully from a shelf or hanging basket in a bright Canadian room.

Peace Lily. Pet-safe and low-light.

For another pet-safe plant that handles low light and produces flowers, the Peace Lily is one of the easiest flowering plants for dim corners in Canadian homes.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Austral Gem Fern?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In spring and summer that is roughly every seven to ten days. In a Canadian winter, every ten to fourteen days. Unlike most ferns, this one can tolerate missing a watering without immediately drooping. Our indoor plant watering guide shows exactly how to check before watering.

Does it need a humidifier?

No. Unlike most ferns that struggle in the dry air from forced-air heating in Canadian homes, the Austral Gem tolerates average indoor humidity without a humidifier or misting. This is one of its main advantages over Boston Ferns and Maidenhair Ferns for Canadian apartments and offices.

Is the Austral Gem Fern safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists Asplenium (spleenwort) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Austral Gem is confirmed safe for homes with pets and small children. It is one of the best lush, textural plants for pet-friendly Canadian homes.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Medium to bright indirect light works best. A north- or east-facing window suits it well. It adapts to lower light but grows more slowly. Avoid direct sun which can bleach the glossy fronds. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes. It is one of the better ferns for Canadian winters because it handles dry indoor air well. Keep temperatures above 15°C and away from cold glass and heating vents. Growth slows from November to February but the plant stays green and holds its fronds. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

How to Take Care of Austral Gem Fern

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Medium to bright indirect light is ideal. A north- or east-facing window works well in a Canadian home. It adapts to lower light better than most ferns. Avoid direct afternoon sun which can bleach the glossy frond surface.

Light: Medium to bright indirect

A spot near a north- or east-facing window works year-round. From October to February when Canadian daylight shortens, move it closer to the brightest window available. It handles lower light better than most ferns but grows more slowly without adequate indirect light.

Water: When top inch of soil is dry

Water thoroughly until it drains, then wait until the top inch of soil feels dry. Every seven to ten days in spring and summer, every ten to fourteen days in a Canadian winter. The thick fronds store moisture, making this fern more forgiving of occasional missed waterings than most.

Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity

Unlike most ferns, it handles the dry air from forced-air furnaces in Ontario and Quebec homes without a humidifier. This makes it one of the most practical ferns for Canadian apartments from November through March.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Asplenium spp. non-toxic). Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pro Tip

Dust settles on the thick, polished frond surface and dulls the jade-like gloss that makes this plant stand out. Wipe each frond gently with a slightly damp cloth every few weeks. This is especially worth doing in the short-day months of a Canadian winter when the plant needs every bit of available light to stay healthy.


What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

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Plant care essentials

Everything you need to keep this plant thriving.

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