Nest of rosettes

Cute like buttons, the smaller bird’s nest fern is perfect for enhancing small spaces, writes Stephanie Choo

DUE to their convenient sizes, bird’s nest ferns can be displayed at almost any part of your home. They need minimal care and their fronds will just remain green in their tight nest-like clumps as long as they’re kept hydrated.

Asplenium nidus, A. antiquum, A. australasicum and A. serratum and their varieties grow in the form of a rosette that looks like a bird’s nest, hence their common name. These epiphytes are members of the genus Asplenium and they belong to the plant family, Aspleniaceae.

The species A. nidus is perhaps the most known bird’s nest fern of them all. Asplenium means “without spleen” in Greek and is derived from a belief based on the doctrine of signatures — the spleen shape of the fern’s sori means it can cure spleen ailments. Meanwhile, means “nest” in Latin.

MEDIUM-SIZED ASPLENIUMS

A. nidus are usually sold while they’re young and below 30cm before they mature into giant specimens and attain a height of 1.5m or more. Their bright and glossy spearshaped green leaves, which are called fronds, add green life to the home, including to shelves and table-tops.

The cultivar “Plicatum” has narrower fronds and is smaller than the species A. nidus. When mature, the fronds will spread to about 1m wide.

This medium-sized fern’s pleated leaves are reminiscent of lasagna pasta, which is why some call this fern lasagna asplenium.

A. antiquum forms simple leaves with strong midribs and pointed ends. Its cultivar “Osaka” has strap-like leaves with wavy ruffled margins. Commonly called Japanese bird’s nest fern “Osaka”, this fern grows to 60cm high, a tad shorter than the 60 to 90cm-high A. antiquum.

“Victoria” is the plicate-form of A. antiquum and boasts very attractive bright green wavy-edged fronds. This fern is similar to “Osaka” in terms of look and size but the fronds are broader and less compact.

A.nidus ‘Twisted Form’ have very wavy fronds.

Asplenium antiquum cv.

DWARF VARIETIES

Hybrids of the species A. antiquum include “Leslie” and “Crissie”, and are perfect for small 15cm pots as they all grow to 30cm high only. “Crissie” is less compact and upright but is slightly larger than “Leslie”. Both of their fronds will become crested as they mature. “Crissie” has wavy edges.

A. nidus “Crispy Wave” is another lasagna asplenium and was discovered by a Japanese gardener. The fern produces shiny pleated fronds and has a sculptural form that eventually reaches 25cm in height. “Twisted Form” and “Cobra” are similar in appearance as both have very wavy fronds. They’re also

smallish plants.

Asplenium nidus (bird’s nest fern) Choose a colourful container to display your favourite fern. A antiquum ‘Leslie’.

HOWTOGROW

Epiphytic ferns flourish on rocks and up on tree branches in humid rainforest regions. Mimic nature in your garden by providing bird’s nest ferns with lots of dampness.

Settle them into well-draining soil and away from the strong sun. Soon you’ll see those bright lime green fronds that are arranged in circular pattern sparkling like stars. Water daily to keep soil moist at all times. Feed ferns regularly with

a balanced fertiliser.