Bird's Nest Fern Asplenium nidus

Bird's Nest Fern is a tropical, slow growing, evergreen, perennial, epiphyte native to Hawaii and the Pacific Basin. It inhabits rain forests and is found in soils or on branches of trees. It belongs to the Spleenwort family of ferns, whose name refers to the historical belief that these plants had medicinal value for the spleen.  In the continental U.S., Bird's Nest Fern may be grown as an indoor house plant and will not survive temperatures below 50 deg F. It is characterized by dramatic foliage similar in appearance to banana leaves.  Large, simple, stemless, strap-shaped, bright green fronds have a dark brown-black mid-rib and wavy margins. Overlapping fronds form a rosette with a nest-like center, spreading upwards then gracefully arching outwards. Its common name arises from fronds rolling back and turning brown as they die causing a 'birds nest' to develop in the crown of the plant.  Accumulation of dead organic material in the crown also nourishes the plant.  Shallow rhizomes allow this plant to establish itself on tree branches, fallen trunks, mossy surfaces, or soils. This genus produces no flowers or fruit, and reproduces primarily through spores.  Bird's Nest spores are found in brown sporophores on the undersides of leaves. In native habitats, or zones where it is winter hardy, outdoor plants’ fronds reach lengths of 4-5 feet by 8 inches wide. Indoor houseplant fronds are typically 1.5-2 feet long. It does best in rich, moist, porous soil such as a fern potting mix. Bright light or light shade, such as a north-facing window is suitable. Too much sun may turn it yellow or stop growth. Ideal temperatures are 60-70 degrees F.  Since epiphytes require high humidity and soil moisture, this plant does not tolerate dry conditions. Misting, or humidification on a pebble tray of water, may be needed to provide adequate humidity. However, water collecting in its crown should be avoided. Active growth periods may benefit from the monthly application of dilute liquid fertilizer.  Outdoors, in suitable growing zones, it is attractive in containers, hanging baskets, and mass plantings or it can be wired to a fibrous slab to grow epiphytically on tree trunks.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.  Fragile foliage, handle gently. Susceptible to slugs, snails, scale, mealybugs, bacterial leaf diseases, leaf nematodes, and chemical insecticides.  Avoid exposure to direct heat or drafts.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.