Asplenium nidus

Common Names

Bird's Nest Fern, Birds Nest Fern, Nest Fern

Summary

Bird’s Nest Fern, an evergreen epiphytic fern, forms a nest-like rosette of broad, glossy bright green fronds with a dark midrib and wavy margins that emerge from a central crown. Native to tropical regions, it commonly grows on tree trunks or branches, and indoors fronds typically reach about 2 ft long while outdoor specimens can reach 3–5 ft.

Care emphasizes bright indirect light, high humidity, and warm conditions (60–80°F); keep a loose, well-drained peat-based mix consistently moist but not soggy, and water at the soil edge to prevent crown rot. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season, and repot only as growth necessitates. Propagation is by spores or division, with division offering faster results; the plant is commonly grown as a houseplant or in shaded outdoor settings, valued for ornamental appeal and indoor air purification, and it is non-toxic to humans and pets. Pests may include scale insects, slugs, and snails.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

24-60 inches

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 11-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; tolerates partial sun and full shade.

Soil Type

Rich, well-draining, organic-rich soil that is slightly acidic.

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.0-5.5, slightly acidic

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Doesn't bloom in any season.

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color change.

Leaf Lifecycle

Other

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Division, Spores, Tissue culture

Attracts Wildlife

No indication in sources that Asplenium nidus attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, or birds.