Asplenium nidus (Bird's Nest Fern)

Asplenium nidus, the Bird's Nest Fern, is a large epiphytic fern that grows naturally in the canopy and on cliff faces of tropical Asian and Australasian forests, collecting debris in its central funnel to obtain nutrients. In paludariums it serves as a bold structural specimen, with glossy, undivided strap-shaped fronds that can reach 50 cm or more under good conditions. Its dark-green, light-reflecting foliage contrasts beautifully against the finer textures of mosses and smaller ferns.

It is one of the most tolerant of all terrarium ferns, handling lower humidity than most and tolerating occasional drying without permanent damage. New fronds unfurl from the central crown as tightly coiled croziers, adding ongoing visual interest. It is best planted in a coarse, well-draining epiphyte mix or pressed into a cork bark crevice in the paludarium's upper land zone.

Light: Low to medium indirect; 500–2,000 lux; tolerates deep shade better than most ferns. CO2/Humidity: No CO2; prefers humidity above 60% but tolerates lower periods; keep substrate moist. Fertilisation: Monthly half-strength liquid fertiliser; pour into the central cup as well as the substrate. Placement: Pot in coarse epiphyte mix or wedge in a cork bark crevice; protect the central crown from water pooling in cool conditions. Propagation: Not easily propagated at home; spore propagation is possible but very slow.