This true fern from tropical Asia takes its common name of bird’s-nest fern from the arrangement of its leathery, apple-green leaves, which form an open rosette. Unlike many ferns, the leaves are uncut, and may reach 4½ ft. (1.3 m) long, although usually they are about 18 in. (45 cm) long x 2—3 in. (5—7cm) wide.
New leaves uncurl from the fibrous, brown central core and are delicate for the first few weeks so should not be handled. Brown blotches on the reverse of older fronds are likely to be spore cases rather than insects, particularly if arranged in a regular pattern.
Size: Height 2 ft. (60 cm), spread 3 ft. (90 cm).
Light: Medium light at all times, never direct sun.
Temperature: Keep warm; not below 60°F (15°C).
Moisture: Keep thoroughly moist.
Feeding: Apply standard liquid fertilizer once a month from spring until fall.
Propagation: By spores (difficult to achieve) as offsets are not formed.
Special needs: Mature fronds benefit from having dust gently wiped away.