Asplenium Antiquum Leslie 85mm

This is a pretty little lime green crested fern that’s also known as a birds nest fern.

Leslie grows in a compact form with a full, dense habit, but what we all love the most are those crested, feathery outer leaves.  This beauty has so texture and touchability – keep her on the coffee table so you can stroke those unusual fronds.

As well as perching on the coffee table Leslie will grow in a hanging basket, a shaded windowsill, or outside in a shady border. She needs light, but not the direct sun that will burn her leaves and plenty of water running through her free-draining potting mix.

Note: Do not touch, move, or handle the new delicate fronds as they emerge from the nest. They are extremely fragile. If you touch them, there is a high chance of them becoming damaged or deformed.

Quick Facts: 

• What to use me for: I look great indoors where my lime green fronds pop against a white wall, and I rock a tropical style garden.
• I grow to: I’m pretty compact reaching 0.6-1m high and 0.6-1m wide 
• Where to place me: I need semi-shade to full shade in the garden and a light spot indoors that doesn’t get any of those burning sunbeams. Don’t expose me to direct sun other than the very early morning sun.
• How far to space me I need about 75cms of elbow room
• Watering: Keep my compost moist, but don’t let me become soggy. Avoid watering right into the “nest” as that encourages mould and rot. Water my soil rather than the plant.
• Soil conditions: I need moist well-fed soils to look good. If I’m rocking a pot I need a regular liquid feed and plenty of water. During the growing season (April through September), fertilize me about once a month with weak liquid fertilizer.