Norfolk Gem Bird's Nest Fern

Norfolk Gem Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium australasicum 'Norfolk Gem') is a fast growing fern from Norfolk Island with very broad, glossy fronds that widen towards the tip. It forms a full rosette about 1m high and wide, and it is as much at home in a pot indoors as in a cool, shaded corner of a frost free garden.

Why you'll love it

• Extra broad, glossy fronds. Each leaf is widest towards the end rather than at the base, which gives the rosette a full, lush look.
• Fast growing. For a fern it moves along quickly, so a young plant fills its space sooner than the slower forms.
• Built for shade. Cool, shaded areas are where it earns its place, filling positions where few other foliage plants thrive.
• Excellent indoors. At about 1m it suits a large pot in a bright room, where the broad fronds make a strong indoor feature.
• Gentle around pets. Bird's nest ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, so it suits a household with animals.

Where it works best

Ferneries and shade borders. Plant 1m apart in a shaded bed and the rosettes meet as they mature, building a lush, layered fernery.

Tropical themed gardens. Use it as an under planting layer beneath palms, tree ferns and larger tropical foliage, where its broad leaves add a different texture to fine fronds.

Containers and indoor gardens. A single plant in a large pot suits a shaded verandah, a courtyard or a bright room. Keep it out of direct sun.

Growing Norfolk Gem Bird's Nest Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a shaded position in a frost free garden. Tropical, subtropical and sheltered warm temperate coastal gardens suit it. Protect it from frost, and in colder regions treat it as a pot plant that spends winter under cover.

Soil. Humus-rich, well drained soil is best, with the crown of the fern above the soil line. Air around the roots matters as much as moisture, so avoid heavy clay that stays soggy, and in pots use an open potting mix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until it is established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it moist through dry periods. Water frequently in the warmer months and less in winter. Feed with slow release fertiliser in spring and a liquid feed every four weeks while it is warm, at half the label strength.

Pruning. Remove old fronds to keep the plant fresh and to avoid disease. Repot container plants only when they are outgrowing the pot.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Norfolk Gem Bird's Nest Fern as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, which is the economical way to plant a fernery, while the potted packs arrive with more leaf already made.

Our tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment: press the notify button and we will email you the day it returns.

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
• More plants for full shade

Common questions

Can it take full sun?

No. It is a shade fern, and direct sun scorches the broad fronds. Bright, filtered light or full shade keeps them glossy and unmarked.

How fast does it grow?

Quickly for a fern, as long as it stays warm and moist. Feeding every four weeks through the warmer months gives the best growth.

Is it a native fern?

Yes. The species grows wild in eastern Australia and on Norfolk Island, and this selection comes from Norfolk Island.