Asplenium antiquum aka Japanese Bird's Nest Fern

Taxonomy

Asplenium antiquum, also known as the 'Bird's Nest Fern', is a fern belonging to the bird's-nest group. It can be found in its natural habitat in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, often growing on cliffs, tree trunks, or in forests. The fern has a single shuttlecock rosette of glossy apple-green fronds that emerge from a dark hairy middle. Asplenium antiquum is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that requires little maintenance beyond a shaded spot and regular watering. It does well in moderate sunlight, and should be kept less than 6 feet away from a window. The plant prefers soil that is good at retaining moisture. Repotting the plant each time it doubles in size is recommended, and no additional fertilizers should be necessary. Older, hardened leaves can be wiped with a damp cloth to keep the plant looking tidy. In Japanese, the fern is known as ō-tani-watari and tani-watari.

Common names

Japanese Bird's Nest Fern, Tani Watari, Birds Nest Fern

How to care for Japanese Bird's Nest Fern

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Japanese Bird's Nest Fern is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Soil

If you're planting Japanese Bird's Nest Fern, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Tani Watari is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Japanese Bird's Nest Fern will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Japanese Bird's Nest Fern prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Japanese Bird's Nest Fern is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Japanese Bird's Nest Fern’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia