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Bird's nest fern

Asplenium nidus

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Bird's nest fern · Asplenium nidus

Whole, wavy glossy fronds form a nest-like rosette of striking shape.

Care and placement

Prefers bright indirect light, 60–80% humidity and 15–27 °C; water around the rim, not into the centre; frost-sensitive.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 80 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 80 cm

Things to consider

ASPCA lists Asplenium species (e.g. hen-and-chickens fern) as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Still discourage pets from chewing large amounts.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Use an airy mix of peat, perlite and orchid bark (or mount it like an epiphyte). Pot with drainage holes; do not bury the centre of the rosette.

  2. Light

    Bright indirect light; east or north windows suit it. Direct sun damages the fragile fronds; add a grow light if natural light is too low.

  3. Watering

    Water when the top 2–3 cm is dry with free drainage, never letting it dry out fully. Water around the rim or from below, not into the rosette, to prevent crown rot. Use filtered or rain water if tap water browns edges. Keep humidity at 60–80% with a humidifier or grouped plants.

  4. Feeding

    Feed lightly: balanced fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength every 4–6 weeks in the growing season on already-moist mix; none when cool, and never into the centre.

  5. Pruning

    Only cut old, dry or damaged fronds near the base; avoid injuring the centre.

  6. Propagation

    Propagated by spores (slow, needs patience) or by division when it forms multiple crowns; it usually has a single crown so division is difficult. Pot divisions in fresh mix, water well and keep humidity high.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Brown crispy edges come from low humidity, fluoride/chlorine in water or excess fertilizer; a black mushy centre is crown rot (usually fatal); yellow lower fronds with soggy soil mean overwatering. Spider mites, mealybugs and scale: insecticidal soap or 1:1 isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For a large, glossy, even rosette: high humidity, steady bright indirect light, clean water, light feeding and a dry centre. Ferns do not flower or fruit.