Asplenium nidus aka Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium nidus is the fern known as bird's nest fern. It belongs to the spleenwort family and stays green year-round. Its native range spans East Africa, tropical Asia, northern Australia, and Pacific islands. In rainforests, it grows on tree trunks and branches. It also grows on rocks in some places. This slow-growing fern forms an upright, rounded clump.

Garden plants reach about 3–5 feet [0.9–1.5 metres] tall. Their spread ranges from 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres]. Indoor plants often have shorter fronds, around 1.5–2 feet [0.45–0.6 metres] long. Outdoor fronds can reach 5 feet [1.5 metres]. A short rhizome supports the crown, with no visible upright stem. The broad, glossy green fronds have dark midribs and wavy edges. Their thick blades feel leathery, but handling can still damage them. The fronds form a funnel that catches leaves and debris. As this litter breaks down, it feeds the fern.

This fern makes neither flowers nor fruit. It spreads by spores rather than seeds. Dark lines of sori mark the undersides of mature fronds. These spore-bearing clusters run outward from the midrib. The foliage supplies its main garden interest throughout the year. A single plant can serve as a focal point. Groups suit shaded borders, edging, and groundcover plantings. It also grows in pots, hanging baskets, or on tree trunks. Some moth larvae feed on its leaves.

Give indoor plants bright light without direct sun. Outdoors, choose shade and shelter from harsh weather. Use rich, porous soil that holds moisture but drains well. Keep the soil moist rather than soaked. The fern needs humid air and has little drought tolerance. It also copes poorly with salt and frost. RHS rates it H1B, suitable for outdoor summer growth in Britain. Keep it indoors during colder months there. Heat and drafts can harm the fronds. Remove dead or damaged fronds as needed.

Serious problems are uncommon, though several pests can attack. Watch for scale, mealybugs, slugs, and snails. Leaf nematodes and bacterial leaf disease can also occur. Chemical insecticides may damage the plant. Reports describe eating the leaves after parboiling them. Burnt leaf ash also serves as a salt substitute. People use leaves and roots in local medicines. These reports do not establish proven health benefits. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known toxicity cases for this species. That does not confirm safety for people or pets.