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Asplenium antiquum is a low-maintenance, pet-friendly houseplant distinguished by having fronds that have more parallel edges and a green, or occasionally reddish, midrib.
Latin name
Asplenium antiquum
Pronunciation
(“asp-LEE-nee-um ant-ICK-yoo-um”)
Common name
Bird’s Nest Fern
Origin
South-eastern China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan.
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.
Non-toxic to pets and humans. It is a safe choice for households with cats, dogs and children.
caring for your plant
Light
Medium-low to medium light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Watering
The growing medium should be kept moist at all times, especially during growth and while the plant is becoming established. Under-watering may lead to brown, crisp leaf edges.
Pruning
Ferns cannot be pruned. Dead fronds can be removed with a sharp knife close to the base of the plant.
Feeding
Occasional addition of dilute fertilizer to the water when you water the plant – not every time.
pest & diseases
Scale insects are occasional pests – if seen, scrape them off with a fingernail or wooden lolly stick. Don’t confuse the rust-coloured spore cases on the undersides of the fronds as pests.
Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.
According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.
Find out more about Ecoponic here.
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