Asplenium nidus

birds nest fern
Broad strappy green lime green leaves unfurl from a central rosette. Epiphytic. Good mounted, in pots, or well drained soil.
height 2–4ft
width 2–4ft
tolerates Pots
water
needs		 When soil surface is damp
water
info		 Water when soil surface is still damp. This plant likes to stay evenly moist. When you touch the surface and it’s no longer squishy and soggy, but feels like a well-wrung sponge, it’s time to water. Often these plants can be left in a little standing water to extend the watering cycle. This plant could be watered several times a week, or less if lleft standing in some water each watering cycle. Remember a smaller pot will dry out faster, so if it’s a tiny 4 inch pot you might water daily.
hardy
to		 30F
exposure Bright Indirect – Partial Direct
indoor
outdoor		 Indoor
fertilizing Acid 1/2 Strength
origin Australia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 15–17, 20–24

Sunset Zones Map

Indoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Since this plant likes water, but is often epiphytic (living in the cracks of trees) in nature it’s especially important to have good drainage.
Can be mounted using sphagnum moss, or a mix of sphagnum moss and orchid bark. Attach to a panel, tree, fence or rock. Use fishing line or nylon that won’t decompose over time.

Special Interest

Amazing mounted plant; viewed from below dappled light glows through the green leaves like panels of tinted glass.

More Info

This plant has been grown to be a houseplant, but also excels outdoors in mild climates. See sunset zones if you are interested in growing this plant outside. Also note that anytime a houseplant is moved outside some transitional stresses should be expected, including burning (when a plant that can and in fact would often prefer to grow in direct sunlight has not been cultivated in direct sun) and also drooping or leaf drop (usually associated with a shift in temperature.) Planting outdoors during mild weather will help negate these effects and generally if properly cared for this plant will rebound from them with new acclimated growth.