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Asplenium antiquum in 12cm Pot.
Asplenium antiquum is a species of bird’s nest fern native to tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia, including Japan, Taiwan, and parts of China. It is closely related to the more well-known Asplenium nidus, but has some distinct characteristics.
✅ Key Features:
Foliage: Glossy, strap-like fronds with smooth or slightly rippled edges. Unlike A. nidus, the fronds of A. antiquum tend to be narrower, more upright, and more symmetrically arranged.
Growth Habit: Forms a tight, upright rosette (or “nest”) of leaves, often growing 1–2 feet tall and wide indoors.
Texture: Thick, leathery leaves make it more tolerant of indoor conditions than delicate ferns.
Air Purifying: Helps improve indoor air quality.
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🪴 Asplenium antiquum Care Guide
Though it’s a fern, Asplenium antiquum is relatively low-maintenance and forgiving compared to other ferns, especially with the right humidity and lighting.
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☀️ Light
Prefers bright, indirect light.
Tolerates medium to low light, but growth may slow.
Avoid direct sunlight, which will scorch the fronds.
Ideal placement: Near an east- or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a bright window with sheer curtains.
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💧 Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Water when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.
Avoid watering into the central rosette, as this can lead to crown rot.
Pro tip: Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if your tap water is high in salts or chlorine.
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🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 60–80°F (16–27°C).
Keep away from cold drafts or temps below 55°F (13°C).
Loves humidity — aim for 50–70%.
Mist regularly, use a humidifier, or place on a pebble tray.
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🌱 Soil
Needs a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix.
Ideal mix: 2 parts peat or coco coir + 1 part perlite or orchid bark.
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🌸 Fertilizer
Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength).
Do not overfertilize, as the roots are sensitive.
No feeding in winter.
---
🪴 Repotting
Repot every 2–3 years or when the roots begin to crowd the pot.
Choose a pot that’s 1–2 inches wider, with good drainage holes.
---
✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
Trim dead or yellowing fronds at the base with sterile scissors.
Do not remove inner fronds, as these are new growth.
Keep leaves clean with a damp cloth—never use leaf shine products.
---
🐛 Common Issues
Problem Cause Solution
Brown leaf tips Dry air, low humidity Increase humidity
Yellow leaves Overwatering or poor drainage Let soil dry slightly; check pot
Leaf curl Underwatering or cold stress Water consistently, avoid drafts
Pests Mealybugs, scale (rare) Wipe with neem oil or insecticidal soap
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🐾 Pet Friendly?
✅ Yes! Asplenium antiquum is non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for homes with animals.
---
🧘 Bonus Tip:
Asplenium antiquum is slower growing than many houseplants, but with the right care, it can last years and become a lush, sculptural centerpiece for a shelf or side table.
Asplenium antiquum is a species of bird’s nest fern native to tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia, including Japan, Taiwan, and parts of China. It is closely related to the more well-known Asplenium nidus, but has some distinct characteristics.
✅ Key Features:
Foliage: Glossy, strap-like fronds with smooth or slightly rippled edges. Unlike A. nidus, the fronds of A. antiquum tend to be narrower, more upright, and more symmetrically arranged.
Growth Habit: Forms a tight, upright rosette (or “nest”) of leaves, often growing 1–2 feet tall and wide indoors.
Texture: Thick, leathery leaves make it more tolerant of indoor conditions than delicate ferns.
Air Purifying: Helps improve indoor air quality.
---
🪴 Asplenium antiquum Care Guide
Though it’s a fern, Asplenium antiquum is relatively low-maintenance and forgiving compared to other ferns, especially with the right humidity and lighting.
---
☀️ Light
Prefers bright, indirect light.
Tolerates medium to low light, but growth may slow.
Avoid direct sunlight, which will scorch the fronds.
Ideal placement: Near an east- or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a bright window with sheer curtains.
---
💧 Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Water when the top 1 inch of soil is dry.
Avoid watering into the central rosette, as this can lead to crown rot.
Pro tip: Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if your tap water is high in salts or chlorine.
---
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Temperature: 60–80°F (16–27°C).
Keep away from cold drafts or temps below 55°F (13°C).
Loves humidity — aim for 50–70%.
Mist regularly, use a humidifier, or place on a pebble tray.
---
🌱 Soil
Needs a well-draining, moisture-retentive mix.
Ideal mix: 2 parts peat or coco coir + 1 part perlite or orchid bark.
---
🌸 Fertilizer
Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength).
Do not overfertilize, as the roots are sensitive.
No feeding in winter.
---
🪴 Repotting
Repot every 2–3 years or when the roots begin to crowd the pot.
Choose a pot that’s 1–2 inches wider, with good drainage holes.
---
✂️ Pruning & Maintenance
Trim dead or yellowing fronds at the base with sterile scissors.
Do not remove inner fronds, as these are new growth.
Keep leaves clean with a damp cloth—never use leaf shine products.
---
🐛 Common Issues
Problem Cause Solution
Brown leaf tips Dry air, low humidity Increase humidity
Yellow leaves Overwatering or poor drainage Let soil dry slightly; check pot
Leaf curl Underwatering or cold stress Water consistently, avoid drafts
Pests Mealybugs, scale (rare) Wipe with neem oil or insecticidal soap
---
🐾 Pet Friendly?
✅ Yes! Asplenium antiquum is non-toxic to pets and humans, making it a safe choice for homes with animals.
---
🧘 Bonus Tip:
Asplenium antiquum is slower growing than many houseplants, but with the right care, it can last years and become a lush, sculptural centerpiece for a shelf or side table.