Avis Bird's Nest Fern

Avis Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus 'Avis') is the broad leaved, glossy rosette that makes a shaded corner look lush. Planted in the garden it can reach about 1.5m tall and 1m wide, while a pot keeps it nearer 40cm. With regular watering it establishes quickly.

Why you'll love it

• Broad, glossy fronds. The long, strappy leaves are wide and undivided, a bright fresh green that looks bold rather than lacy.
• Settles in quickly. Given regular water it establishes fast, so a new planting soon looks settled.
• Garden, pot or indoor room. It suits tropical beds, ferneries, rock gardens, containers and indoor gardens.
• A natural look on trees. Attach it to the fork of a tree and it takes on the look of a rainforest epiphyte.
• A native species, easy around pets. Asplenium nidus grows wild in Australian rainforest, and bird's nest ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Feature plant in tropical gardens. A single rosette beside a shaded entry or path makes an instant focal point, and the broad leaves pair well with palms, gingers and cordylines.

Shady understorey drifts. Under trees and along south facing fences, plant 1m apart. Garden grown rosettes spread to about 1m, so they touch as they mature.

Containers and indoor gardens. In a pot it stays closer to 40cm, which suits verandahs, entries and bright rooms out of direct sun.

Ferneries and rock gardens. Tuck it into a pocket of moist, humus rich soil among rocks, where its arching fronds soften the stone.

Growing Avis Bird's Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Frost free is the rule. Avis grows best in tropical and subtropical gardens and in the most sheltered coastal pockets of warm temperate areas, in shade or filtered light with no hot afternoon sun. In colder districts keep it in a pot and bring it indoors before frost arrives.

Soil. Use good garden soil or a quality potting mix that drains freely, so air can move around the roots. Plant with the crown above the soil line and avoid wet feet.

Water and feed. Mulch, then water regularly until it is established, usually around 12 weeks. After that, water frequently in the warmer months and less in winter. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid fertiliser every four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half the recommended dose to prevent burn.

Pruning. Remove old fronds as they age to keep the plant fresh and avoid disease. Repot container plants only when they have outgrown their pots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Avis Bird's Nest Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical choice for filling a shaded bed, though they start small and take a few seasons to build a full rosette. The 140mm pots carry more foliage for a faster result.

Plants travel upright and are best planted promptly. Expect a quiet few weeks while the roots take hold, then new fronds from the centre.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to grow ferns in Australian conditions
• More ferns for shady areas
• Tropical plants to grow alongside it
• Plants for full shade

Common questions

How big does it get?

Garden grown, expect up to about 1.5m tall and 1m wide. In a pot it usually stays closer to 40cm, so the pot size controls it.

Can I plant it outside in southern cities?

Only where frost does not reach. A sheltered, shaded courtyard on a mild coast can work, but in colder districts it is safer in a pot that can move indoors for winter.

Can I attach it to a tree?

Yes, the fork of a tree gives a natural effect. Choose a shaded, sheltered fork, anchor the plant in a pocket of moist, free draining mix, and water it by hand in dry spells.