This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a document series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://FloridaFriendlyLandscaping.com to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.
Introduction
Bird’s nest fern is a member of the Spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae), which has over 700 species with worldwide distribution. There are about 30 species that are native to North America, with several being found naturally in Florida. Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) is native to the humid, tropical rainforests of Oceania (Australia and surrounding island countries) where the plant grows epiphytically (Figure 1). This plant is an herbaceous perennial with a rounded, upright growth habit that reaches a height and spread of 4 feet. The large, stemless, bright-green leaves have a black, prominent midrib and unfurl from a tight center, giving a bird’s nest effect (Figure 2). The nest-like shape of this plant allows it to trap organic matter, which breaks down and fertilizes the plant naturally. The spores are borne in prominent brown sporophores on the underside of leaves. This is a striking plant to use as a specimen planting at entranceways, or in containers where it will always attract attention in the landscape. This plant is also well suited for mass plantings or groundcovers, foundation, border or edging, grown epiphytically, or is suitable for growing indoors in bright indirect light (Figure 3).
Credit: devilkae via Adobe Stock
Credit: Keighly Graves, UF/IFAS
Credit: Arunee via Adobe Stock
General Information
Scientific name: Asplenium nidus
Pronunciation: ass-PLEE-nee-um NYE-dus
Common name(s): bird's nest fern
Family: Aspleniaceae
Plant type: herbaceous; perennial
USDA hardiness zones: 9B through 11B (Figures 4 and 5)
Credit: This map is based on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Visit https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ for specific zone information.
Credit: This map is based on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Visit https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ for specific zone information.
Planting month for zone 9: year-round
Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round
Origin: not native to North America
Uses: mass planting; foundation; border; groundcover; edging; suitable for growing indoors; grown epiphytically; specimen
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant
Description
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 2 to 4 feet
Plant habit: upright; round
Plant density: open
Growth rate: slow
Texture: coarse
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: most emerge from the soil, usually without a stem
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: lobed; undulate
Leaf shape: linear
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: more than 36 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: no flowers
Flower characteristic: no flowers
Fruit
Fruit shape: not applicable
Fruit length: not applicable
Fruit cover: not applicable
Fruit color: not applicable
Fruit characteristic: not applicable
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable
Current year stem/twig color: not applicable
Current year stem/twig thickness: not applicable
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in the shade
Soil tolerances: occasionally wet; acidic; loam; high organic matter
Drought tolerance: poor
Soil salt tolerances: poor
Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches
Other
Roots: not applicable
Winter interest: evergreen foliage
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Use and Management
Bird’s nest fern thrives in shaded, moist conditions, and should be planted in soil with high organic matter. Like many ferns, drought tolerance is minimal. As this plant is epiphytic, it can also be wired to tree trunks or grown on a fibrous slab. Plant on two- to three-foot centers to create a mass planting or groundcover effect. Bird’s nest fern works well in the landscape as a specimen plant or in mixed landscape beds as an edging plant. This plant may also be used in a container, hanging basket, above ground planter, or is well suited as a houseplant. Locate bird’s nest fern in bright, indirect light indoors. Cultivars of this plant are available, with varying leaf structure and growth sizes. Asplenium antiquum is another species of bird’s nest fern (native to Asia), which is common in the trade. This species is smaller and more commonly sold as a houseplant.
Propagation is by spores or from tissue culture.
Design Considerations
Bird’s nest ferns add a lush, tropical look to shaded landscapes, especially beneath tree canopies. Their upright rosettes of broad, bright green fronds are ideal for containers and small, special spaces. For compelling contrast, pair them with the different textures of variegated shell ginger, bromeliads, and other ferns. Low-spreading groundcovers like sunshine mimosa or perennial peanut can also work well in adjacent, sunnier spots. The fern’s light green fronds serve as a versatile backdrop for flowers; while many colors work, deep and vivid hues create the most dramatic effect. Simple, smaller blooms in white, yellow, or blue also offer a crisp, clean contrast.
Pest and Diseases
Pest issues include foliar nematodes, scale, slugs, and snails. No diseases of major concern.