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Asplenium nidus (Bird's nest fern)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Asplenium nidus
Other names
Bird's nest fern, Asplenium ficifolium, Neottopteris nidus, Neottopteris mauritiana, Thamnopteris nidus, Bird nest fern
Genus
Asplenium Asplenium
Species
A. nidus - A. nidus is a slow-growing, rosette-forming, tender, evergreen fern with strap-shaped, glossy, undivided, bright green fronds.
Asplenium nidus is: Evergreen
Habit
Rosette, Arching
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Bright-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Leaf and bud eelworms , Scale insects Leaf and bud eelworms , Scale insects
Diseases
Sometimes affected by rust in damp winters.
Rust Rust
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed.
Propagation methods
Spores
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Where to grow
Asplenium nidus (Bird's nest fern) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Sub-Tropical, Indoor, Greenhouse, Foliage only, Containers, Conservatory
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Under glass, grow in equal mix loam, leaf mould or peat substitute, and charcoal in bright, filtered light & moderate humidity. In growth, water moderately and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half-strength monthly.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
Hart's tongue ferns contrast well with more feathery ferns, that tolerate dry shade.
Botanical name
Asplenium nidus
Other names
Bird's nest fern, Asplenium ficifolium, Neottopteris nidus, Neottopteris mauritiana, Thamnopteris nidus, Bird nest fern
Genus
Asplenium Asplenium
Species
A. nidus - A. nidus is a slow-growing, rosette-forming, tender, evergreen fern with strap-shaped, glossy, undivided, bright green fronds.
Native to
Tropical regions worldwide
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Rosette, Arching
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Bright-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Leaf and bud eelworms , Scale insects
Diseases
Sometimes affected by rust in damp winters.
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed.
Propagation methods
Spores
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Asplenium nidus (Bird's nest fern) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Sub-Tropical, Indoor, Greenhouse, Foliage only, Containers, Conservatory
Cultivation
In frost-free areas, grow in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Under glass, grow in equal mix loam, leaf mould or peat substitute, and charcoal in bright, filtered light & moderate humidity. In growth, water moderately and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half-strength monthly.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
COMPANION PLANTS
Hart's tongue ferns contrast well with more feathery ferns, that tolerate dry shade.
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