Bird's Nest Fern Asplenium nidus

Bird's nest fern is a tropical, evergreen, epiphytic herbaceous perennial native to a wide area from Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea and tropical Australia. It belongs to the Spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). 

This resident of rainforests usually grows as an epiphyte, perched on trunks and tree limbs. This plant does not tolerate dry conditions, nor can it tolerate frost.

It is characterized by dramatic foliage similar in appearance to banana leaves.  Large, simple, strap-shaped, bright green fronds have black midribs and wavy margins. The plant is a litter trapper. Its funnel-shaped rosette of fronds catches falling leaves and other debris and creates its own compost pile, which feeds the plant.

Outside the Tropics, Bird's Nest fern may be grown as a houseplant and will not survive temperatures below 40 deg F.  It does best in rich, moist, porous soil such as a fern potting mix. Misting, or humidification on a pebble tray of water, may be needed to provide adequate humidity. 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 to 70 degrees F. Active growth periods may benefit from the monthly application of dilute liquid fertilizer. Outdoors, in tropical zones, it is attractive in containers, hanging baskets, and mass plantings or it can be allowed 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.