Asplenium nidus (Bird's Nest Fern)
Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus (Bird's Nest Fern) is an evergreen fern forming a remarkable rosette of broadly lance-shaped, glossy, bright green fronds adorned with contrasting dark midribs and wavy margins. Unusual for a fern, the fronds are undivided, giving the plant a substantial appearance. The striking foliage features a vase-shaped habit and forms a distinctive shuttlecock-like effect with a nest-like center. The new leaves will constantly emerge from the central area of the plant, or the nest. Mature fronds on plants grown outdoors can reach up to 4-5 ft. (120-150 cm) but reach a modest 1-2 ft. (30-60 cm) when grown in indoor containers. Parallel lines of spores are found on the undersides of the fronds and radiate away from the midrib towards the leaf margin. Asplenium nidus is an epiphytic species that roots itself to trees in its natural habitat and warmer climates.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
- Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
- Where hardy, grow outdoors in part to full shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils with added grit. Minimum temperatures of 50ºF (10ºC). To be kept out of direct sunlight.
- May be grown as a houseplant in a porous, evenly moist, well-drained soil (peaty potting mixture) in bright filtered light. Fairly high humidity is required, so site this plant in humidified areas or bathrooms. Ideal indoor temperatures are 60-70ºF (15-21ºC).
- Keep an eye out for slugs, scale, mealybugs and leaf nematode.
- Propagate by spores.
- Native to the tropical Old World.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 11
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 23, 24, H2 |
Plant Type | Ferns |
Plant Family | Asplenium - Ferns |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | Australia |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 11
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 3
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 23, 24, H2 |
Plant Type | Ferns |
Plant Family | Asplenium - Ferns |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | Australia |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |