Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Spleenwort

Description:

This sterile variety produces feathery, deep green glossy foliage with a waxy cuticle that prevents drying; does not produce messy spores, making it ideal for indoor containers

Features & Attributes

Austral Gem Bird's Nest Fern is primarily valued in the home for its cascading habit of growth. Its attractive glossy ferny bipinnately compound leaves remain dark green in color throughout the year.

This is an herbaceous houseplant with a shapely form and gracefully arching foliage. Its extremely fine and delicate texture is quite ornamental and should be used to full effect. This plant usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning.

Planting & Growing

When grown indoors, Austral Gem Bird's Nest Fern can be expected to grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. This houseplant performs well in both bright or indirect sunlight and strong artificial light, and can therefore be situated in almost any well-lit room or location. It prefers to grow in average to moist soil. The surface of the soil shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely, and so you should expect to water this plant once and possibly even twice each week. Be aware that your particular watering schedule may vary depending on its location in the room, the pot size, plant size and other conditions; if in doubt, ask one of our experts in the store for advice. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soil. Contact the store for specific recommendations on pre-mixed potting soil for this plant. Be warned that parts of this plant are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so special care should be exercised if growing it around children and pets.

There are many factors that will affect the ultimate height, spread and overall performance of a plant when grown indoors; among them, the size of the pot it's growing in, the amount of light it receives, watering frequency, the pruning regimen and repotting schedule. Use the information described here as a guideline only; individual performance can and will vary. Please contact the store to speak with one of our experts if you are interested in further details concerning recommendations on pot size, watering, pruning, repotting, etc.

-- THIS IS A HOUSEPLANT AND IS NOT MEANT TO SURVIVE THE WINTER OUTDOORS IN OUR CLIMATE --