Crispy Wave Bird's Nest Fern

Crispy Wave Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus 'Crispy Wave') is a small, glossy fern with strongly rippled leaf edges, growing to just 30cm tall and 50cm wide. It was selected in Japan from Osaka parents, and its leaves are around two thirds the length of Osaka's, a size that suits pots, shelves and tight shaded corners. The ruffles develop as the plant matures.

Why you'll love it

• Rippled, ruffled leaves. The wavy edges add a texture that flat leaved ferns cannot match, and the effect strengthens with age.
• Compact by nature. At about 30cm by 50cm it fits containers, indoor gardens, ferneries and rock gardens without outgrowing them.
• Glossy, rich green foliage. Broad, shiny fronds in a neat rosette look polished even with very little attention.
• Undemanding. Give it shade, steady moisture and shelter from frost. Old fronds are the only tidying it needs.
• Easy around pets. Bird's nest ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it suits a floor level pot in a home with animals.

Where it works best

Pots and indoor gardens. This is the natural home for Crispy Wave. In a pot it stays tidy, and indoors a bright position without direct sun keeps the fronds glossy.

Shaded borders and edges. Plant 50cm apart along a shady path or under trees. At that spacing the rosettes just meet at maturity, giving a continuous band of ruffled foliage.

Ferneries and rock gardens. Its small size lets it sit among rocks and under larger ferns, where a full size bird's nest fern would swamp its neighbours.

Growing Crispy Wave Bird's Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in shade or filtered light, away from direct afternoon sun. It needs a frost free climate, so it is at home in tropical and subtropical gardens and in mild, sheltered warm temperate spots. Elsewhere, treat it as a pot plant and keep it under cover in winter.

Soil. A free draining mix is essential so air reaches the roots. Keep the crown of the fern above the soil line and avoid wet feet.

Water and feed. Water regularly, with a layer of mulch, until it is established, usually around 12 weeks. It thrives in humidity, so water often in the warmer months and less in winter. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring, plus a liquid fertiliser every four weeks in the warm months at half strength to avoid burn.

Pruning. Cut away old fronds to keep the plant fresh and avoid disease. Repot only when it is outgrowing its pot, which is not often at this size.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Crispy Wave Bird's Nest Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that is quick to settle once planted, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. A young plant has smoother leaves, because the ruffles appear as it grows, so be patient with tube stock. The 140mm pots give a more developed plant to start with.

Plants travel upright and should be unpacked and watered soon after arrival. Expect a short pause while the roots establish, 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

• A guide to ferns: light, humidity and placement
• Browse ferns for shady areas
• House and indoor plants to pair with it
• Plants for pots and containers

Common questions

How big does Crispy Wave get?

About 30cm tall and 50cm wide, which is small for a bird's nest fern, so it will not outgrow a pot or a tight corner.

Why are the leaves not ruffled yet?

The ruffles develop as the plant matures and grows. Young plants show a smoother edge at first, then the waves deepen over time.

Can it handle frost?

No. It is a frost free plant, so shelter it wherever winter frost is possible. In cold districts grow it in a pot and bring it indoors.