Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jun 15, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus, bird's nest fern, is a tropical epiphytic fern from Southeast Asia, Australia, and East Africa with broad, strap-like, bright green fronds radiating from a central nest-like crown. A popular indoor and shade-garden plant, it grows naturally in the forks of trees and on rocky surfaces in humid forest environments. Starting at $16.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Grow in bright indirect light or shade — never direct sun, which scorches fronds. In NE Florida, a north- or east-facing outdoor location under tree canopy is ideal for landscape use.
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; do not allow to completely dry out between waterings. In outdoor NE Florida settings, the humidity helps, but supplement watering during dry spells. Avoid chemical pesticides — use insecticidal soap only if needed.
Grow in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil with slightly acidic pH. Fertilize with a dilute balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leaf tip burn.
Similar needs
Macho Fern
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, high water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Southern Wood Fern
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, high water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Tasmanian Tree Fern
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, high water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Heart Fern
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, high water, and loam.
American Hornbeam
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, high water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Baby Tears
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, high water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Bird's Nest Fern a good plant for St. Augustine?
Bird's Nest Fern is a fern for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-4 feet × 2-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.