Free Asplenium Nidus Plants

A beautiful fern with bright green, undulating fronds that are held in an upward-spreading rosette. The young fronds slowly unfurl from the centre, and have a soft, shiny texture. They are very delicate and should not be handled for the first few weeks. Mature fronds develop brown parallel lines on the underside, which later produce dust¬like spores. The spores can be collected and used to propagate new plants. Although the Asplenium is often used in bowl gardens and mixed planters, it can quickly be overcome by more vigorous plants, so is best grown singly as a feature plant. A constant watch should be kept for scale insects, which can be difficult to control as the plant is sensitive to many spray chemicals. The safest way to deal with minor infestations is to simply remove the insects with a fingernail.

Plant type : Fern with upright habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 30-75cm (12-18in)
Flower : None
Leaf : Tongue shaped fronds, 15-75cm (8-30in) long, 5-10cm (2—4in) across, bright green, arranged in rosette with brown central rib
Temperature : 16-21°C (61 -70°F)
Aspect/Light : Moderate light
Humidity : Moderate to high
Watering : Keep compost evenly moist in spring and summer; water a little less in autumn and winter, but do not allow compost to dry out
Feeding : Once every three to four weeks with half strength houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Collect spores and scatter in pans or trays of seed and cutting compost at 21°C (70°F) in spring or summer; when large enough to handle, pot up singly
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Scale insect, aphid, browning of fronds due to dry atmosphere
Availability : Quite commonly available throughout year
Uses indoors : Best grown singly in room that is not too hot or dry; prefers position within body of room, provided it is moderately well lit