PLNTversePLNTverse
Plants › Ferns

Bird’s-nest fern (Asplenium antiquum)

Asplenium antiquum is an evergreen perennial fern with fronds forming a central rosette or bird's-nest shape; it is epiphytic and can also grow on rocky substrates.

LightAsplenium antiquum grows in bright indirect light to partial shade and should avoid direct sunlight; it tolerates some shade, but prolonged low light may produce weak, elongated fronds.
WaterKeep evenly moist during active growth without allowing the growing medium to remain waterlogged or saturated; from spring through autumn, water as it begins to dry, while in winter it can be kept slightly drier. The gro
HumidityIt is generally described as preferring high humidity and needing moderate airflow.
TemperatureA single source places the minimum temperature at about 4.4 °C. It is classified as tender and is generally described as frost tender; keep above freezing. Hardiness classifications are given in USDA and RHS systems.
Track your Bird’s-nest fern in the PLNTverse app
Bird’s-nest fern illustration

Overview

Asplenium antiquum is an evergreen perennial fern with fronds forming a central rosette or bird's-nest shape; it is epiphytic and can also grow on rocky substrates.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, which is described as East Asia, including southeastern China, Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula or South Korea, and Japan. It is reported from moist forests, where it occurs on tree trunks and branches, rock faces, cliffs, and rocks, as well as near waterfalls; in tropical and subtropical regions it commonly grows on trees, while in cooler regions it is more often found on rocks or the ground. It is reported to be native to temperate to subtropical East Asia and to favor moist environments.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 60–90 cm. A single source reports a mature spread of about 50–100 cm. The simple, undivided fronds are vivid to bright green, long and flat, with pointed tips, prominent midribs, and sometimes wavy margins; they radiate in a rosette, and the midrib of mature fronds may be brown. It is reported to have an erect rhizome.

Light

Asplenium antiquum grows in bright indirect light to partial shade and should avoid direct sunlight; it tolerates some shade, but prolonged low light may produce weak, elongated fronds.

Watering

Keep evenly moist during active growth without allowing the growing medium to remain waterlogged or saturated; from spring through autumn, water as it begins to dry, while in winter it can be kept slightly drier. The growing medium should drain well while retaining moderate moisture.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally described as preferring high humidity and needing moderate airflow.

Temperature and dormancy

A single source places the minimum temperature at about 4.4 °C. It is classified as tender and is generally described as frost tender; keep above freezing. Hardiness classifications are given in USDA and RHS systems.

Growing medium and mounting

The growing medium should retain moisture while providing good drainage and aeration; suitable materials include sphagnum moss or a potting medium containing loam and coarse drainage material. Acidic to neutral conditions are suitable.

Feeding

Feed moderately during the growing season; sources differ on the recommended schedule and fertilizer type, with one describing regular diluted liquid feeding and another recommending less frequent slow-release fertilizer from spring through autumn.

Propagation

Asplenium antiquum can be propagated by spores or division. A single source reports that mature spores can be sown for propagation under a specified temperature condition.

Common problems

Scale insects may occur, while genus-level cultivation information also lists spider mites and slugs. Sources differ on disease occurrence: one describes Asplenium antiquum as generally having few diseases, while genus-level information reports anthracnose and soft rot during growth. Prolonged saturation of the growing medium can cause rot, while prolonged low light may result in weak, elongated fronds. It does not tolerate frost and may need protection or indoor shelter when frost is a risk or nighttime temperatures become sufficiently low; a sheltered position is recommended.

Identification

Asplenium antiquum forms a bird's-nest-like rosette and differs from the similar Asplenium nidus in having fronds of more uniform width. Mature fronds have a conspicuous midrib, and the sori extend across much of the frond width.

Photos

Asplenium antiquum
📷 Travisthurston · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Sources