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Hawai'I birdnest fern (Asplenium nidus)

Asplenium nidus is a perennial evergreen fern that is typically epiphytic, though it can also grow on rocks or on the ground, with fronds forming a clustered bird's-nest or funnel-shaped rosette.

LightAsplenium nidus favors bright indirect light to partial shade or shade and should be kept out of strong direct sunlight; it tolerates shade, but prolonged very low light may result in weak, elongated frond growth.
WaterKeep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged, watering from spring through autumn as it begins to dry and reducing watering somewhat in winter; avoid drought and persistently soggy medium.
HumidityIt prefers high humidity and has a moderate humidity need.
TemperatureSources differ, with limited evidence placing the minimum temperature at about 10 °C. It is generally associated with a USDA hardiness zone designation, and it is frost tender; keep above freezing. It is tender.
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Overview

Asplenium nidus is a perennial evergreen fern that is typically epiphytic, though it can also grow on rocks or on the ground, with fronds forming a clustered bird's-nest or funnel-shaped rosette.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, which is described as spanning tropical regions of the Old World, including eastern tropical Africa, India, tropical and parts of eastern Asia, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, the southern islands of Japan, New Guinea, northern to eastern Australia, and Pacific islands; it is native to Taiwan. It occurs mainly in moist forests such as rainforests, often growing on tree trunks, branches, or palms, but also on rocks or the ground, and favors shaded, humid conditions. It is associated mainly with warm, humid tropical to subtropical environments, although some sources also record it from temperate parts of Asia; it does not tolerate dry conditions or frost.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 100–150 cm, while a single source reports a mature spread of about 50–100 cm. The large, simple fronds are lance-shaped to long and strap-like, glossy to vivid green, with entire margins that are often slightly wavy or crinkled and a conspicuous black or dark midrib; they radiate outward from a short, thick rhizome. It is reported to grow more slowly in winter and more rapidly in summer and autumn, and is reported to have an erect rhizome.

Light

Asplenium nidus favors bright indirect light to partial shade or shade and should be kept out of strong direct sunlight; it tolerates shade, but prolonged very low light may result in weak, elongated frond growth.

Watering

Keep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged, watering from spring through autumn as it begins to dry and reducing watering somewhat in winter; avoid drought and persistently soggy medium.

Humidity and airflow

It prefers high humidity and has a moderate humidity need.

Temperature and dormancy

Sources differ, with limited evidence placing the minimum temperature at about 10 °C. It is generally associated with a USDA hardiness zone designation, and it is frost tender; keep above freezing. It is tender.

Growing medium and mounting

Use a humus-rich, moist but well-drained, loose and porous growing medium; loam under acidic to neutral conditions is also described as suitable.

Feeding

Fertilizer may be applied during the growing period, but sources differ in recommending diluted liquid fertilizer during active growth or slow-release chemical fertilizer from spring through autumn.

Propagation

Asplenium nidus can be propagated from spores, while sources also describe propagation by division. Spores form in elongated rows of sori on the undersides of the fronds and can be used for propagation. Sources differ on propagation details, with one recommendation to sow mature spores as soon as possible after collection under warm conditions.

Common problems

Possible pests include scale insects, mealybugs, mites, slugs, and snails. Sources differ on disease problems: bacterial leaf diseases, anthracnose, and soft rot are reported, while another source describes disease problems as generally uncommon. It does not tolerate dryness, and excessive light can cause frond yellowing, halted growth, or scorching; the fronds are relatively fragile and can be mechanically damaged during handling. It does not tolerate frost, low temperatures, or dry conditions and is suited to a warm, humid, relatively sheltered position.

Identification

Large, undivided fronds radiate from the center into a bird's-nest rosette that can trap fallen leaves and other organic debris; sori occur on the undersides of the fronds in linear arrangements along the veins.

Photos

Asplenium nidus
📷 Forest and Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0 us · source
Asplenium nidus
📷 scallions, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by scallio · CC BY · source
Asplenium nidus
📷 Steve Fitzgerald, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded · CC BY-SA · source

Sources