Asplenium Nidus Fern (Birdnest Fern)

When we were young we love to seek 'adventures' in the rubber plantation behind our house.  Those days we did not have much entertainment,  not even a  TV  set just a small radio so exploring nature was a  favorite activity.  We often see the Bird Nest Fern growing wild on the ground or on the rotting trees trunks - even up on the trees. Perhaps that is why I find it  amusing  that people are so fascinated by this plant and  love to have this plant as a feature in their gardens.  Yes,  I totally agree this plant is fabulous in its grandeur and  as a  garden plant , it has  many  merits.  This fern  is  not only  beautiful  to behold  but  really fuss free.  It just  fits in comfortably with the other plants with its evergreen leaves.  This  fern gives a dramatic and exotic tropical feel to gardens  that cultivate this plant.  I often see people grow  the fern  as hanging plants, thus  giving their gardens a wild tropical look!  Yet it can stand all by itself  in a corner somewhere and still draw attention.   The green leaves are  smooth and  almost leathery to the touch.  They stretch out,  like arms seeking a friendship touch.  I think most people can't resist  touching them  in admiration.   The long leaves can grow up to a maximum of 3 feet apparently.   To care for it,  just ensure  it does not dry out and keep it growing in a location that is  humid, with filtered sunlight and  some space to grow. 

The nursery owner gave this plant to us free of charge since we bought so many plants and garden soil from her the first time.  My husband liked the plant very much.   Initially I planted it in a container,  then I  decided to transfer it to the ground.   That was over a year ago, and it has been growing  happily beside the electric pole, almost covered by the fast growing bougainvillea (post dated : 27th August 2010)   and garden croton (post dated :  23rd October 2010).  

I doubt this plant will ever flower.  Being a  typical fern, spores for propagation can be found on the underside of the leaves. It is a good thing this plant is not invasive as I have not seen baby plants sprouting anywhere in the vicinity !  Apparently the plant can grow taller as it aged.  Well it will be interesting to see that happens as now it looks  almost flat. New leaves grow from the center of the rosette,  old leaves at the bottom will dry and turn brown. Ferns have no stems.