Overview

Asplenium antiquum is a clump forming ferns in the genus Asplenium, part of the Aspleniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Asplenium antiquum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include houseplants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Asplenium antiquum is a species of fern in the family Aspleniaceae. It is sometimes referred to as Japanese Bird's Nest Fern or simply Bird's Nest Fern. In Japanese, it is known by ō-tani-watari and tani-watari. It grows on cliffs, logs and rocks, near waterfalls, in damp forests, and on tree trunks in southeastern China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It is native to China Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, Taiwan and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers partial shade and loam soil. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Asplenium antiquum

About the genus

Asplenium is a genus of about 700 species of ferns, often treated as the only genus in the family Aspleniaceae, though other authors consider Hymenasplenium separate, based on molecular phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences, a different chromosome count, and structural differences in the rhizomes. The type species for the genus is Asplenium marinum.

Wikipedia contributors, "Asplenium", CC BY-SA 4.0Asplenium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Asplenium

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Asplenium antiquum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Ferns, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Houseplants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Asplenium antiquum

Propagation
Division, sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C
Pest resistance
Scale insects
Disease resistance
Rust in mild, damp winters

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Asplenium antiquum?

Asplenium antiquum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Asplenium antiquum need?

Asplenium antiquum grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Asplenium antiquum grow?

Asplenium antiquum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.

Is Asplenium antiquum hardy in the UK?

Asplenium antiquum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Asplenium antiquum?

Division, sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C.