Asplenium nidus

Bird's Nest Fern, Nest Fern

Easy careEpiphyteNon-toxic30–120 cm

An epiphytic fern that forms a rosette of broad, glossy fronds radiating from a fibrous central crown. In the wild it perches in rainforest canopies across tropical Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, growing in dappled light and steady humidity. Those same conditions make it a natural fit for large closed terrariums and paludariums. Non-toxic and forgiving, it works well for beginners.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Bird's Nest Fern image

Photo by Marija Gajić·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 15–27 °C, and reaches 120 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Shade tolerantBright indirect

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Very high (80%+)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
15°C – 27°C

Soil

Moisture retentive(preferred)Peat mossOrchid mix

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

5 – 6

Propagation

Collect spores from the underside of mature fronds once the sori — the small spore-bearing clusters — turn brown. Sow onto a sterile, moist peat-based mix in a propagator at high humidity and around 22 °C. Germination is slow, with small sporelings appearing after 4–8 weeks. Commercial growers typically use tissue culture because of the difficulty.

Native range

Native to East Tropical Africa, Western Indian Ocean, Eastern Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Malesia, Papuasia, Australia, Southwestern Pacific, Northwestern Pacific, and North-Central Pacific.

Appearance

Growth habit

Rosette

Leaf shape

Strap

Leaf texture

GlossyLeathery

Frequently asked

Can Bird's Nest Fern grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Bird's Nest Fern prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Bird's Nest Fern need drainage?

Bird's Nest Fern prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Bird's Nest Fern need?

Bird's Nest Fern does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Bird's Nest Fern pet-safe?

Bird's Nest Fern is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Bird's Nest Fern grow?

Bird's Nest Fern typically reaches 30–120 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Bird's Nest Fern?

Bird's Nest Fern can be propagated by spores.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Asplenium nidus L.

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17048040-1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

    NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Asplenium nidus

    https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/asplenium-nidus/
  5. 5

    Terrarium Tribe — Asplenium nidus (Crispy Wave Fern)

    https://terrariumtribe.com/terrarium-plants/asplenium-nidus-crispy-wave-fern/
  6. 6

    Planet Natural — Bird's Nest Fern

    https://www.planetnatural.com/birds-nest-fern/
  7. 7

    ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Bird's Nest Fern

    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants