Crested Bird's Nest Fern

Crested Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) is a bold foliage plant with large, crested fronds that rise from the centre in a natural nest shape. It grows to about 1.2m tall and 1.5m wide, so it is a feature fern for shady gardens, large pots and bright indoor rooms. The frond tips divide into a ruffled, crested edge that adds texture the plain bird's nest fern lacks.

Why you'll love it

• Crested, ruffled fronds. Slender, gently ruffled leaves divide at the tips, giving a frilled outline that catches the eye.
• An architectural shape. Fronds radiate from the centre like a nest, so the plant looks tidy without staking or clipping.
• Lush greenery for shade. It fills the shaded corners where flowering plants sulk, and suits tropical style gardens.
• Garden, pot or room. It is suited to containers and indoor gardens as well as shaded beds.
• Easy around pets. Bird's nest ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, which helps in a family home.

Where it works best

Tropical style shade gardens. Use it as a feature fern under trees, palms and tall shrubs. Plant 1.5m apart so each plant shows its full nest shape.

Large pots and indoor rooms. A big container keeps it manageable and mobile. Indoors, choose a bright room out of direct sun, and rotate the pot now and then for even growth.

Verandahs, courtyards and entries. A single specimen beside a shaded entry gives instant lushness in a sheltered spot.

Growing Crested Bird's Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in shade, out of hot afternoon sun. Ferns thrive in humid conditions, so it is at home in tropical and subtropical gardens and sheltered warm temperate ones. Protect it from frost. Where winters are frosty, grow it in a pot and move it under cover.

Soil. Free-draining soil in a shaded position, rich in organic matter. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and steady the soil temperature as the young plant establishes. Keep the crown above the soil line.

Water and feed. Keep it moist through dry periods. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid fertiliser every four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half the recommended dose to avoid burn.

Pruning. Cut off old, brown fronds at the base and leave the centre of the nest alone. Repot container plants only if they outgrow their pots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Crested 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. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. The tube shows as sold out when the grower has none, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back. Young ferns arrive as small tufts and take a few seasons to build the full nest, with the 140mm pots arriving with more leaf.

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
• Palms, ferns and tropical plants
• Pet friendly indoor plants

Common questions

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. Give it bright light without direct sun and an evenly moist mix. Keep it away from heaters and air conditioning, and rotate the pot so it grows evenly.

Why are the frond tips browning?

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

How big will it get?

About 1.2m tall and 1.5m wide in time, so allow room in the garden or choose a large pot.