Bird’s-Nest Fern or Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus (formerly Asplenium nidus-avis) (POLYPODIACEAE)
Planting and Growing Bird’s-Nest Fern
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow bird’s-nest ferns or nest ferns in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Foliage and spores of bird’s-nest fern or nest fern
- Growing conditions for bird’s-nest fern or nest fern
- When and where to plant bird’s-nest fern or nest fern
- How to plant bird’s-nest fern or nest fern
- How to shape, prune and control growth of bird’s-nest fern or nest fern
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of bird’s-nest fern or nest fern
- Landscape uses of bird’s-nest fern or nest fern
- Pest and disease control for bird’s-nest fern or nest fern
Growing Bird’s-Nest Fern
A few cultivars of fast-growing, arching, epiphytic, rhizomatous, evergreen, tropical ferns, to 2 ft. (60 cm) tall and 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide, with green, yellow green, paddle-shaped, undivided, wavy-edged fronds, to 4 ft. (1.2 m) long and 6–8 in. (15–20 cm) wide, on stiff, woody, radiating stems.
Bird's-Nest Fern Planting and Care Guide
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 9–11. Tender. Best in tropical, subtropical climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist, well-drained humus mixed with charcoal or, in water features, shallow marginal or shoreline sites. Fertility: Rich. 5.5–6.5 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Partial to full shade. Space 2–3 ft. (60–90 cm) apart.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep evenly moist during active growth; reduce watering late autumn– early spring. Fertilize monthly during active growth. Propagate by division, spores.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, containers in natural, shade, tropical, woodland gardens and water feature margins and shorelines. Good as houseplant. Disease resistant. Slug, snail susceptible.