Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) is one of two tropical Asplenium species found in cultivation. The other is Asplenium bulbiferum, often called the spleenwort or mother fern, which is much harder to grow and looks nothing like its cousin. Asplenium ferns are naturally epiphytic, meaning they grow on the surface of other plants. In their rainforest homes, they can be found growing high in the crooks of trees. They grow in a series of erect, spoon-shaped, and apple-colored fronds that rise from a central rosette. Healthy plants can have fronds up to 3 feet long, but this is rare in most indoor situations. These are beautiful plants that require a bit of babying to reach their fullest potential.
