Bird's Nest Fern

Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium australasicum) forms a tall, vase shaped nest of long, glossy fronds in bright apple green, and in the wild it perches in the forks of trees along the east coast. Mature plants carry fronds of 1m to 2m, so it needs space, but it rewards you with a lush, tropical feature in filtered light or part shade. It is taller and more upright than most bird's nest ferns, with slightly broader leaves.

Why you'll love it

• A sculptural nest. Leathery fronds rise from the centre in an upright vase, so a single plant reads like a living sculpture.
• A true native. It is native to eastern Australia, where it grows on rocks and in tree forks, and suits bush and tropical gardens alike.
• Flexible with light. It takes anything from full sun to part shade, which makes it easier to place than most ferns.
• Easy around pets. Bird's nest ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so they suit homes and gardens with animals.

Where it works best

Tropical feature planting. Use it as a layer in understorey planting beneath palms and trees. Plant 1.5m apart so the mature fronds have room to arch out.

Tree forks. Set a young plant into the fork of a large tree in a pocket of moist, free draining potting mix, and in time it looks completely natural.

Large containers and indoors. A big pot suits a verandah or a bright room. Use a free draining mix and keep the crown above the soil.

Growing Bird's Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the best leaf colour in bright, filtered light and a little afternoon shade in hot climates. It thrives in humid conditions, so it suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, and it needs protection from frost.

Soil. Plant with the crown of the fern above the soil line. The growing medium must be well drained, to allow plenty of air movement around the roots and avoid wet feet.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then water often in the warmer months and less in winter. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring and a half strength liquid feed every four weeks in the warmer months.

Pruning. Remove old fronds to keep the plant fresh and avoid disease. Repot container plants only if they are outgrowing 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, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in 300mm pots singly. The tube and the 140mm pack are the economical way to fill a large area, and the 300mm plant gives a fuller nest at once. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants travel upright. Unpack, water and plant promptly, and expect fresh fronds from the centre once the roots take hold.

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
• Ferns for shady areas
• Palms, ferns and tropical plants
• More Australian native plants

Common questions

How big does it get?

Mature plants carry fronds of 1m to 2m, forming a large upright nest. Allow about 1.5m of space around each plant.

Can I grow it in a tree?

Yes, as it does in the wild. Set a young plant into a pocket of moist, free draining mix in a large fork, and keep it watered until it takes hold.

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

Bird's nest ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, though any plant can upset a pet that eats a lot of it.