Asplenium antiquum (narrow-leaved nest fern)

Asplenium antiquum, like Asplenium nidus, is often simply referred to as a “bird's nest fern” and is native to East Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan). It is an easy to grow houseplant suited for shady or partially shady locations. Thanks to its leathery, robust leaves, it is not as sensitive to low humidity as other ferns. The variegated variety offered here features randomly distributed, narrow white stripes and cristate leaves that split into several tips.

Bird's-nest ferns are what are known as leaf litter collectors. The leaves form an upward-opening funnel in which leaf litter accumulates and decomposes over time. The fern absorbs the nutrients released in this process through specialized roots that grow upward into the funnel. (Of course, you don’t need to replicate this at home to care for this plant.)

Asplenium antiquum reaches a diameter of about 1.20 m in the wild but usually remains significantly smaller when grown as a houseplant.

With optimal care, elongated sori develop on the underside of new fronds, producing numerous spores in their sporangia.

You’ll receive a young plant in a 9 cm pot, approximately 15 to 20 cm in diameter.