Crested Bird’s Nest Fern

Crested Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum 'Crissie') is the bird's nest fern with forked, crested frond tips, so the rosette reads as a fountain of ribbons rather than plain green straps. It builds a clump about 70cm tall and 80cm across, holds glossy foliage all year, and is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Pet friendly. Ferns in this genus are not toxic to cats or dogs, so it is a safe choice in a house with animals that chew.
• Crested fronds you notice. Each frond forks into fingers at the tip, giving the rosette movement a plain bird's nest fern does not have.
• Built for low light. It evolved in the forks of rainforest trees, so filtered light and a shaded courtyard suit it far better than sun.
• Low maintenance. No pruning beyond removing old fronds at the base, and no flowering cycle to manage.

Where it works best

Indoors. This is where most of them live and it is a good fit: bright indirect light, steady warmth and air that is not bone dry. Inside, your climate stops mattering, which counts for a frost tender plant.

Balconies and courtyards. A 300mm to 400mm pot under a covered balcony or in the shade of a wall gives the filtered light it wants, out of drying wind.

Feature planting in warm gardens. In tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens it goes straight into the ground under established canopy, or can be mounted in a tree fork as it grows in the wild.

Growing crested bird's nest fern in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light indoors, deep to filtered shade outdoors. Direct sun scorches the fronds within days. Outdoor planting suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens only, because it is frost tender. In cooler districts keep it potted, indoors or under cover through winter.

Soil. A coarse, open mix with plenty of organic matter, closer to an orchid and fern mix than a dense potting mix. In the ground, plant into leaf litter rich soil under canopy with the crown at surface level.

Water and feed. Keep the mix moist but never soggy, and water into the soil rather than the central nest, where trapped water rots the crown. Feed with a half strength liquid fertiliser monthly through the warm months.

Pruning. Cut old browning fronds off at the base. Do not trim frond tips, because a cut frond never regrows its point and the crested tip is the whole feature.

What to expect when it arrives

This fern is grown in tubes: young plants with a small rosette and a developed root plug, which take two to three seasons to build the full 70cm by 80cm clump. Ferns of this kind establish quickly once potted on.

Ferns travel well when packed upright, though outer fronds can crease and a little tip browning is normal. Pot it on into a 200mm pot within a week, keep it out of direct sun, and expect new fronds within four to six weeks in warm weather. 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

• Where ferns thrive in an Australian garden
• Browse ferns for shady areas
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• How to keep your indoor plants alive

Common questions

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Ferns in this genus are not toxic to cats or dogs, which is why they appear on most pet safe plant lists. A chewed frond may still cause mild stomach upset.

Why are the frond tips browning?

Usually dry air, or water sitting in the central nest. Move it away from heating and cooling vents, water into the mix rather than the crown, and lift the humidity with a pebble tray.

Can it live outdoors in a cold garden?

Not in the ground. It is frost tender, so in cool temperate and cold inland districts it needs to be a potted plant that comes under cover before winter.