Asplenium Antiquum “Birds Nest Fern”

Asplenium antiquum, also known as Bird’s Nest Fern, closely resembles Asplenium nidus. This low-maintenance pet-friendly houseplant can be distinguished by having fronds that have more parallel edges and a green, or occasionally reddish, midrib, rather than the pronounced black in asplenium nidus.

The plant fronds on a Bird’s Nest Fern tend to be of a uniform width. The glossy, simple fronds of Asplenium antiquum are arranged in an upward-spreading rosette. Each frond is bright green with a pronounced prominent midrib. Bird’s Nest Fern leaves have a thin, leathery texture and often undulate. New fronds unfurl from a brown, spongy, nest-like crown and may grow up to 60 centimetres in length. Mature fronds may produce rusty-brown spore cases, arranged on the underside in a herringbone pattern. These should not be confused for pests or diseases, so do not attempt to remove them. Variegated forms exist, as does the variety “Leslie” which has fronds that divide at the tips, which gives a ruffled appearance.

All our potted plants come in compostable coir pots.