Asplenium nidus
bird's nest fern
An evergreen fern forming a striking rosette of strap-shaped, undivided, bright green, fronds to 1.2m in length
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Aspleniaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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 outdoors in moist but well-drained soil with added grit in frost-free areas. Under glass in a mix of equal parts loam, course leaf mould or peat substitute, and charcoal. Provide bright filtered light
Propagation
Propagate by spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Can get scale insects and leaf and bud eelworms
Diseases
May be infected by a rust in mild, damp winters
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.