Lasagna Bird's Nest Fern

Lasagna Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus 'Lasagna') is the frilly one: every frond is rippled along its edges like a sheet of fresh pasta. It grows from 50cm to 1.5m high and up to 1.5m wide, forming a bold rosette that gives a shady tropical bed, a courtyard or a big indoor pot its centrepiece.

Why you'll love it

• Frilled, rippled fronds. The wavy edges catch the light and make this a more sculptural fern than the plain bird's nest forms.
• A feature without flowers. The large rosette is the focal point of a shaded bed, entry or courtyard, with no flowering season to wait for.
• Happy in a pot. It suits containers and indoor gardens, so it works on a verandah or beside a bright window.
• Layers a tropical garden. Tucked in under taller palms and trees, it fills the middle layer of a lush planting.
• Gentle around pets. Bird's nest ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Tropical and subtropical beds. Use it as an under planting layer beneath trees and palms. Plant 1m apart and the rosettes meet as they mature.

In the fork of a large tree. In a humid garden a young fern can be set in the fork of a big tree for a natural forest look.

Pots and indoors. Grow one plant per large pot in bright, filtered light, and repot only when it outgrows the container.

Growing Lasagna Bird's Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Warmth and humidity come first. It likes to stay above 10C, so it suits tropical and subtropical gardens outdoors, while in cooler regions it is best in a pot brought inside for winter. Filtered light or part shade is ideal. It copes with brighter light once settled, but hot afternoon sun scorches the fronds.

Soil. Plant in humus-rich, well drained soil with the crown of the fern above the soil line, so water never pools in the centre. Air around the roots matters, because wet feet are the quickest way to lose a fern.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then keep the soil moist, with frequent watering or misting in the warmer months and less in winter. Apply slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid feed every four weeks while it is warm, at half the recommended strength to avoid burn.

Pruning. Cut old fronds off at the base to keep the plant fresh and to reduce disease.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Lasagna Bird's Nest Fern as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that travels upright and establishes quickly in humus-rich soil or potting mix. It arrives as a small fern and builds its frilled rosette as it grows.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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 for shady areas
• Growing ferns: light, humidity and placement
• Palms, ferns and tropical plants
• Indoor plants for bright rooms

Common questions

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. Give it bright, filtered light away from heaters and draughts, keep the room above 10C and water regularly. Misting in warm weather helps.

Why are the frond tips going brown?

Usually dry air, uneven watering or direct afternoon sun. Move it out of hot sun, keep the mix evenly moist and cut marked fronds off at the base.

Can it live outside in a cool climate?

Not through a frosty winter. Keep it in a pot outdoors in the warmer months and move it under cover when nights turn cold.