Asplenium antiquum

Common Name:
Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern

Description:
Asplenium antiquum, commonly known as the Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern, is a hardy, evergreen fern admired for its glossy, upright foliage and architectural rosette form. Native to East Asia, this elegant plant is well suited to both indoor and sheltered outdoor conditions in Melbourne. Its narrow, strap-like fronds emerge in a neat, upward-curving crown, creating a structured, nest-like shape. Unlike some other bird’s nest ferns, Asplenium antiquum features firmer, more deeply ridged leaves that add textural interest and durability. It thrives in part to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Indoors, it benefits from high humidity and protection from direct sun and cold draughts. A low-maintenance plant, it requires only occasional grooming of older fronds and regular watering during dry periods. While it does not flower, its strong form and lush green colour make it a popular choice for tropical gardens, shaded corners, bathrooms, and containers.

Form:
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
*Indoor Foliage Plant

Mature Size:
*Height: 50–70 cm
*Width: 60–90 cm

Aspect:
*Part Shade
*Full Shade
*Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:
*Does not flower

Flower Colour:
*Not applicable

Key Attributes:
*Suitable for Pots
*Suitable for Indoor Use
*Herbaceous
*Perennial
*Low Maintenance
*Air Purifying
*Not frost tolerant
*Excellent for Tropical and Shaded Gardens

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to pets and humans

Companion Plants:
*Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
*Calathea orbifolia
*Peperomia
*Clivia miniata
*Philodendron ‘Xanadu’
*Aspidistra elatior (Cast Iron Plant)