Broad Leaf Bird's Nest Fern

Broad Leaf Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) is a shade loving foliage plant with broad, strappy leaves arranged in a generous rosette. It reaches 90cm to 1m tall and spreads to about 1.5m wide, so it is wider than it is tall, and it fills shady gaps quickly. It is a first class choice for rockeries, ferneries, big pots and the ground beneath trees.

Why you'll love it

• Broad, glossy leaves. Long, strappy fronds with a generous width make a lush rosette that looks full from the start.
• Establishes quickly. With regular watering this fern settles in and grows away quickly, so shady beds fill in sooner than with many ferns.
• Handles a touch of frost. Once established it tolerates light frost, which gives it a wider range than the more tender tropical ferns.
• Many places to put it. Use it in ferneries, rock gardens, big pots or tropical garden beds, or tuck it in the fork of a tree.
• Easy around pets. Bird's nest ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so they suit family gardens.

Where it works best

Rockeries and ferneries. In a partly shaded rock garden the broad rosettes soften stone and fill the gaps. Plant 1.2m apart so the rosettes just touch as they mature.

Under trees. It is happy growing beneath established trees, where the soil is loamy and the shade is dependable. Use it as a feature plant or a shady understorey layer.

Big pots and indoor gardens. A large container suits its wide habit, and it copes with bright indoor rooms out of direct sun.

Growing Broad Leaf Bird's Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. A shaded position suits it best. It loves humidity and suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, and established plants tolerate light frost. In colder gardens keep it in a pot that can be moved under cover.

Soil. Plant in good loamy soil with the crown of the fern above the soil line. The mix must drain well, so air moves around the roots and wet feet are avoided.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. Water frequently 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 at half strength.

Pruning. Cut off old fronds to keep the plant looking fresh and avoid disease. Repot container plants only when they outgrow their pots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Broad Leaf Bird's Nest Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. The tube is the economical way to plant a large shady area, while the 140mm pack arrives with more leaf and gives a quicker display. Our grower supplies the tube, and supply comes and goes. If it shows as sold out, the grower has none right now: press the notify button on the page and we email you the day it returns.

Plants travel upright. Plant promptly, water in and mulch, and expect new fronds from the centre once the roots have taken 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

• Ferns for shady areas
• Rockery plants
• Plants for pots
• How to grow ferns in Australia

Common questions

How wide does it spread?

To about 1.5m wide, from a plant that stands 90cm to 1m tall. Allow room for a low, wide rosette.

Will it cope with frost?

Established plants tolerate light frost. Young plants are more tender, so shelter them in their first winter.

Can I use it in a rockery?

Yes. It is a good rockery plant in a partly shaded location, and the broad leaves soften the stone. Make sure the soil drains well.