Asplenium antiquum, commonly known as a Bird's-nest Fern, is a tropical evergreen fern with long, glossy green fronds. The foliage grows from a central rosette, creating the distinctive nest-like shape that gives these ferns their common name.
Unlike ferns with finely divided foliage, Asplenium antiquum produces broad, undivided fronds with wavy margins and pointed tips. Mature leaves develop a contrasting brown midrib.
Key features
- Evergreen tropical fern
- Long, glossy fresh green fronds
- Attractive wavy leaf margins
- Forms a distinctive central rosette or 'nest'
- Brown midrib develops on mature fronds
- Ideal for humid indoor planting
Plant size
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Height: around 60cm to 90cm when mature
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Spread: around 60cm to 90cm
Other common names
- Bird's-nest Fern
- Japanese Bird's-nest Fern
How to grow Asplenium antiquum
- Grow in bright, indirect light or light shade
- Protect from strong direct sunlight
- Provide warm conditions and good humidity
- Use a humus-rich but free-draining growing medium
- Keep away from cold draughts
- Bathrooms and other naturally humid rooms can provide good growing conditions
Watering your Bird's-nest Fern
- Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Water when the surface begins to feel slightly dry
- Use rainwater where possible
- Reduce watering during cooler periods
- Water around the growing medium rather than directly into the centre of the rosette
Humidity and terrarium growing
Asplenium antiquum enjoys humid conditions and young plants can work well in large tropical terrariums and planted vivariums. Its broad foliage provides a useful contrast to mosses and finely divided ferns.
Allow enough room for the rosette to expand. Mature plants can become substantial, so they are better suited to larger enclosures or growing as an indoor pot plant.
Do you want a fern with bold foliage rather than delicate fronds? Asplenium antiquum provides glossy, architectural greenery and works particularly well in warm, humid indoor spaces.
