Bird's Nest Fern

Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) is a compact, cold hardy bird's nest fern for shaded gardens, pots and indoor corners. It forms a glossy rosette of long, strappy fronds that reaches about 90cm tall and up to 1.5m wide in time. Frost is its one real limit, but it copes with cooler conditions than many of its relatives.

Why you'll love it

• Better in the cool. A cold hardy form that settles into cool, frost free gardens where more tender tropical ferns slow down.
• One tidy rosette. Fronds arch from a central nest in an architectural shape that needs no staking or clipping.
• Foliage for dark corners. Shaded spots under trees, beside fences and in courtyards get bold, glossy greenery where flowers would never bloom.
• Garden, pot or tree fork. It fills a shaded bed, lives in a container indoors, or sits in the fork of a tree as a feature.
• Easy around pets. Bird's nest ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so they suit homes with animals.

Where it works best

Shaded garden beds. Use it as an understorey layer beneath trees, palms and tall shrubs in a tropical themed garden. Plant 1m apart so the rosettes just touch as they mature.

Pots and indoor rooms. A roomy container keeps it smaller and gives you control over water and shelter. Indoors, choose a bright spot out of direct sun, away from air conditioning.

Tree forks and feature spots. Sit a plant in the fork of a tree in a pocket of moist potting mix for a natural look, or give a single specimen pride of place beside a shaded entry.

Growing Bird's Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in shade, out of hot afternoon sun. It is ideal in cool, frost free gardens, including sheltered subtropical and warm temperate areas, and it loves humid air. Where frost is likely, grow it in a pot and move it under cover for winter.

Soil. The mix must drain freely so air can reach the roots. Set the crown above the soil line, because a buried crown rots and wet feet finish the job.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. Water often in the warmer months and less in winter. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid feed every four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half the recommended dose to avoid burn.

Pruning. Cut old fronds off at the base to keep the plant fresh and reduce disease, but leave the centre of the rosette alone. Repot container plants only once they outgrow their pots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bird's Nest Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that settles in readily once planted, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to fill a large shaded area, but they start as modest tufts, so give them a few seasons. The 140mm pots arrive with more leaf.

Plants travel upright and are best unpacked, watered and planted soon after arrival. Expect a quiet few weeks while the roots take hold, then fresh 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

• Growing ferns in Australia: light, humidity and placement
• Browse more ferns for shady areas
• House and indoor plants for pots and rooms
• Plants safe for cats and dogs

Common questions

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. It suits containers and indoor gardens with bright light, no direct sun and an evenly moist mix. Keep it away from heaters and air conditioning.

Will frost kill it?

Frost damages it, so protect it wherever winters bring frost. In a frosty district keep it in a pot under an eave or indoors for the cold months.

Why are the frond tips going brown?

Usually dry air, hot sun or fertiliser burn. Move it into deeper shade, keep the mix moist, and dilute liquid feed to half strength.