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Asplenium nidus
  • RHS AGM

bird's nest fern

A slow-growing, tender, evergreen epiphytic fern forming rosettes or 'nests' of upright, glossy, bright green fronds to 1.5m long and flat, with a wavy edge and pointed and curled tips

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Aspleniaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted, Clump forming
Genus

Asplenium are evergreen ferns with short, usually erect rhizomes bearing a rosette of slightly leathery fronds which may be simple, pinnate to 3-pinnate

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Old World Tropics

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors in bright indirect light, in a container using three parts peat-free multipurpose compost, one part John Innes No.3, and added perlite or horticultural grit, occasionally misting the fronds for moderate humidity. Water to keep the compost moist but not soggy and use a half strength general liquid fertiliser monthly between May and August. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division, or propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe at 21°C

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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