Japanese Birds Nest Fern

Japanese Birds Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus 'Osaka') forms a tight rosette of broad glossy fronds about 80cm tall and 90cm across, with the rippled edges that set this selection apart. It is one of the few ferns that reads as sculptural rather than wispy, which is why designers keep reaching for it. Shade is not a compromise for this plant, it is a requirement.

Why you'll love it

• Architectural, not fussy. Wide undivided fronds radiate from a central nest, giving a bold shape that holds its own in a planted arrangement.
• Built for shade. It performs in the dim corners and covered courtyards where most plants thin out and stretch.
• Pet friendly. Not toxic to cats or dogs, so it is a safe choice for a home with animals.
• Low maintenance. Ferns do not flower, so there is nothing to deadhead and no pruning schedule, just moisture, shade and the occasional tidy.

Where it works best

Indoors. A bathroom, ensuite or any room with filtered light suits it, and the humidity from a shower is a bonus rather than a problem.

Shaded courtyards and balconies. Outdoors it needs a frost free tropical, subtropical or warm temperate garden and full shade under a canopy or roof. Even an hour of direct sun scorches the fronds.

Feature planting. The symmetry of the rosette means one plant in a wide low pot is enough on its own.

Growing Japanese Birds Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Shade to filtered light only, indoors or out. It is frost tender and burns in direct sun, so a south facing verandah or a shaded understorey is ideal.

Soil. A free draining mix with plenty of organic matter. Keep the centre of the nest clear of soil and mulch, because debris sitting in the crown causes rot.

Water and feed. Keep the mix consistently moist but never sodden, and water the soil rather than pouring into the nest. Half strength liquid fertiliser monthly through the warm months is ample, since ferns burn easily on strong feed.

Pruning. Remove old brown fronds at the base as they age. New fronds unfurl from the centre and should never be trimmed while they are still uncurling.

What to expect when it arrives

This variety is sold in 200mm pots in packs of six, which suits an indoor plant order, a shaded garden bed or a set of matched courtyard pots rather than a single specimen purchase. Plants arrive fully formed, because with a fern the foliage is the whole product.

Fronds can crease slightly in transit. Those leaves either recover or are replaced by the next flush, and neither counts as a fault. Give plants a shaded spot and a good soak on arrival, then expect new fronds within four to six weeks in warm weather. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95, and our 30 day healthy plant guarantee applies.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read our guide to creating the right environment for ferns.
• Compare the range of ferns for shady areas.
• Browse more pet friendly indoor plants.
• See other plants that thrive in full shade.

Common questions

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. Birds nest ferns are not toxic to cats or dogs, which makes this one of the safer feature plants for a home with pets. Chewed fronds will still look untidy, so a raised position helps.

Can it take any direct sun?

Only weak early morning sun, and even that is optional. Anything stronger bleaches and then scorches the fronds, and burnt tissue does not green up again.

Why are the frond tips browning?

Usually dry air or a mix that has been allowed to dry right out. Keep the soil evenly moist, move it away from air conditioning vents and heaters, and trim damaged fronds off at the base.