Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 31st Jan 2024
- Plant Characteristics: Characterized by its large, bright green, arching fronds that resemble a bird's nest. The plant's natural rosette form collects water and organic debris, a unique adaptation from its rainforest origins.
- Growing & Care: Prefers indirect, moderate light and a humid environment. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where humidity tends to be higher.
- Tips for New Gardeners: An excellent choice for beginners, especially as an indoor plant. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching the fronds. Be cautious with watering – ensure the plant is not sitting in water to avoid root rot.
Asplenium nidus, commonly known as Bird's nest fern, is an epiphytic fern in the family Aspleniaceae.
It is a native to areas of Southeast Asia and Polynesia.
The term epiphytic means that the plant derives its nutrients from the air, water, and debris around it (and not from soil).
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) photograph by Bernard Dupont.
These beautiful, glossy plants are typically found in high crooks of palm trees in the wild, and are a beautiful addition to any houseplant collection due to their tolerance for indirect light and general non-toxicity.
Birds Nest Fern, photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Birds Nest Fern
Your bird's nest fern does best if you can replicate the tropical, humid conditions it loves in the wild.
While Asplenium nidus, is a natural epiphyte, it can survive as either an air or terrestrial plant - just make sure you can mist it frequently, as it loves moisture (but not wetness).
Asplenium nidus leaf close up, photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
You might try placing your Bird's Nest Fern in a bathroom, which will allow the shower's heat and humidity to mist it regularly. Be sure that your shower is near a window or skylight.
If you do decide to plant your Bird's Nest Fern in soil, then use one that is organic compost or peat, and amend by feeding with a weak fertilizer twice a year from April / September.
This plant will grow outward from a tender rosette in its center; this should not be directly watered or touched - doing so risks damaging the beautiful rippled leaves that lend such an exotic air to your decor.
Asplenium nidus, is a charming, pet-safe, and low-light tolerant addition to your home or garden – and with the right care, it can make any space into a tiny tropical oasis.
Asplenium nidus plant growing in a pot, image by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
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Asplenium nidus Growing and Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Asplenium nidus.
- Common Name: Birds nest fern.
- Growing Zone: USA: 9 to 11.
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Fern, Indoor Plant.
Plant Details
- Plant Height (Inches): 24 to 48.
- Plant Spread (Inches): 12 to 36.
- Time of Bloom:
- Flower Details:
- Leaf Foliage: Green.
- Fruit:
- Growth Form: Rounded.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: shade to partial shade partial sun.
- Rate of Growth: Quick.
- Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Well drained.
- Soil Moisture: Moist.
Caring Conditions
- Care:
- Level of Maintenance:
- Propagation: Spores.
- How to Prune: Not usually required.
- Pests: Can get scale insects and leaf and bud eelworms.
- Diseases: May be infected by rust in mild and damp winters.
Further Information
- Can Attract:
- Tolerant of:
- Best Garden Use: Border, Container, Foundation, Ground cover, En masse, Woodland garden.
- Family: Aspleniaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Ferns, Spleenworts.
- Miscellaneous: Attractive foliage, Non-native to North America, Does not bloom.
- Genus Detail: Asplenium.
- Further Reading and References: Here and Here.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Asplenium nidus. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Fern-like growing guides: How to grow Dicentra and Hunnemannia plants.
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