Harmanii Bird's Nest Fern

Harmanii Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum 'Harmanii') is a large, leathery fern with a more open, graceful rosette than the common bird's nest. Its leaves taper towards the centre, which lets light into the nest and gives the plant an airy shape. On mature plants the fronds can reach 1m to 2m, so it is a feature plant for spacious shady beds.

Why you'll love it

• An open nest. The leaves taper towards the centre, so the rosette looks looser and more graceful than the dense common form.
• Big and leathery. Fronds reach 1m to 2m on mature plants, with a tough texture that holds up well outdoors.
• A forest look. Set it in the fork of a large tree, as it grows in the wild, and it looks completely natural.
• Garden, pot or room. It suits tropical garden layers, large containers and bright indoor gardens.
• Easy around pets. Bird's nest ferns are regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, which suits family gardens.

Where it works best

Tropical feature planting. Use it as a layer in understorey planting. Allow 1.5m between plants so the long fronds arch freely without crowding.

In the fork of a tree. Place a young plant in a pocket of moist, free draining mix where a large tree forks. Keep it watered until it takes hold.

Containers and indoor gardens. A big pot gives control over water and shelter. Indoors, choose a bright spot without direct sun, and allow room for the fronds.

Growing Harmanii Bird's Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with a little afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent scorch. It thrives in humid conditions, so it suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, and it must be protected from frost.

Soil. A well drained mix, so that plenty of air reaches the roots and wet feet are avoided. Keep the crown of the fern above the soil line.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. Water often 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. Remove old fronds to keep the plant fresh and avoid disease. Repot container plants only if they outgrow their pots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Harmanii Bird's Nest Fern as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube. It begins as a small tuft and takes a few seasons to make its mature open nest, so it rewards patience. The tube is supplied by our grower and is not on offer every week. A sold out tube means the grower has none at present, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants travel upright. Unpack promptly, water in and plant or pot up into a well drained mix.

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 in Australia: light, humidity and placement
• Ferns for shady areas
• House and indoor plants
• Tropical plants

Common questions

How is Harmanii different from the common bird's nest fern?

It is almost identical, except that its leaves taper towards the centre. That makes the rosette more open, rather than a dense, tight nest.

How big will it grow?

The fronds can reach 1m to 2m on mature plants, so it needs plenty of space or a large pot.

Can it live indoors?

Yes. It suits bright indoor gardens out of direct sun, in a large pot with free draining mix. Keep it away from heaters and cold draughts.