**Scientific Name** Asplenium antiquum (ancient spleenwort) **Common Name** Japanese Bird's Nest Fern, Spleenwort **Origin** Native to Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan **Description** The Bird's Nest Fern is an explosion of greenery which will brighten whichever spot you keep it in. It likes brighter light than the ferns that grow in the UK, since it's evolved in the South Pacific, but still should be kept out of direct sun. It is an epiphyte, so it grows on trees or rocks rather than into soil; make sure its roots don't sit soggy and that plenty of air can get to them. This species' leaves are an aesthetically pleasing long, smooth, ovate shape and mature from paler to deeper right green. New leaves grow with their ends curled up, unfurling as they grow. **Light** Likes bright, indirect light; a splash of direct sun in autumn and winter will help with its dormancy. Not suitable for low light where it is at higher risk of root rot. **Water** Allow the top third of the soil to dry out bet