Sculptural Waves from Japan
Asplenium 'Victoria' is a study in natural sculpture. Those intensely wavy, rippled fronds create a visual rhythm that draws the eye in, each leaf undulating and folding upon itself in ways that seem almost deliberate. As the plant matures, this characteristic waviness only intensifies, transforming an already striking fern into something truly architectural.
This cultivar of the Japanese Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Antiquum) hails from the temperate and subtropical forests of East Asia, where the species grows on cliffs, tree trunks, and rocky outcrops near waterfalls in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and southeastern China. Unlike its tropical cousin Asplenium Nidus, this species has evolved to handle cooler conditions, making it notably hardier and more forgiving as a houseplant.
The 'Victoria' cultivar is celebrated for taking the naturally wavy margins of Asplenium Antiquum to an extreme. Where the standard species has gentle undulations, 'Victoria' produces fronds that are scrunched, rippled, and gloriously textured. Each new frond unfurls from the fuzzy brown central crown looking like a tightly rolled scroll, gradually opening to reveal that characteristic sculptural form.
Light Requirements
Asplenium 'Victoria' thrives in bright indirect to medium light, and can tolerate brighter conditions than many ferns. An east or north-facing window provides ideal lighting, offering gentle brightness without the harsh intensity of direct afternoon sun. The species can also adapt to lower light situations, though growth will be slower and the fronds may lose some of their characteristic waviness.
Interestingly, brighter light tends to encourage more pronounced wave formation in the fronds. If your plant seems to be producing flatter leaves than you'd like, try moving it to a slightly brighter position. Just avoid placing it in harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate fronds and cause yellowing.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 centimetres of soil begin to feel dry, allowing excess water to drain away completely. Like all bird's nest ferns, Asplenium 'Victoria' is sensitive to sitting in wet soil, which can quickly lead to root rot.
The golden rule with bird's nest ferns: never water directly into the central crown. That fuzzy brown nest where new fronds emerge can trap moisture and rot if water pools there. Instead, direct water to the soil around the base of the plant, allowing it to soak down to the roots. Bottom watering by placing the pot in a dish of water for 15-20 minutes is another excellent approach.
Use room temperature water, and if your tap water is particularly hard or heavily chlorinated, consider using filtered, distilled, or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup on those beautiful fronds.
Humidity and Temperature
While Asplenium 'Victoria' appreciates humidity between 50 and 70 percent, it's notably more tolerant of average household conditions than many tropical ferns. This adaptability is one of the reasons it makes such an excellent houseplant. That said, it will look its absolute best with some added humidity, whether from a pebble tray, humidifier, or placement in a naturally humid room like a bathroom or kitchen.
One of this cultivar's greatest strengths is its cold tolerance. Where Asplenium Nidus demands consistently warm temperatures, A. Antiquum 'Victoria' can handle cooler conditions and brief temperature dips that would stress its tropical relatives. Keep temperatures between 15 and 27 degrees Celsius for best results, though it can tolerate brief periods somewhat cooler. Just protect from frost and keep away from cold draughts.
Soil and Potting
Use a rich, well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix that retains moisture without becoming soggy. A quality indoor potting mix amended with perlite and orchid bark provides excellent drainage while maintaining the organic richness this fern appreciates. The mix should be loose and airy, mimicking the organic debris this epiphytic fern would naturally root into on tree trunks and rocks.
Repot every two to three years or when the plant becomes rootbound. Spring is the ideal time to repot. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one, as bird's nest ferns prefer to be somewhat snug in their containers. Ensure good drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.
Feeding
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through summer) with Growth Technology Foliage Focus diluted to half strength (1.5ml per litre). Apply fertiliser directly to the soil, taking care to avoid the fronds and central crown. Over-fertilising can cause weak or deformed fronds and brown tips, so less is more with these ferns.
If you notice the characteristic waviness of the fronds diminishing, reduce fertilising frequency. Too much fertiliser can actually cause the fronds to lose their distinctive rippled texture.
Grooming and Care
Asplenium 'Victoria' requires minimal maintenance. Remove any damaged, yellowing, or browning outer fronds at the base using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This keeps the plant looking tidy and directs energy to healthy new growth.
Those glossy fronds can accumulate dust over time. Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best and ensure optimal light absorption. Support each frond from underneath while cleaning to avoid damage. Take particular care with young, unfurling fronds, which are extremely fragile and can be permanently damaged if touched.
Avoid using leaf shine products, as the fronds are sensitive to chemicals and the natural gloss is beautiful enough without enhancement.
Perfect For
- Pet-friendly households (non-toxic to cats and dogs)
- Cooler rooms where tropical ferns struggle
- Bathrooms and kitchens with natural light
- Adding sculptural interest to plant collections
- Fern enthusiasts and collectors
- Those wanting an air-purifying houseplant
- Creating Japanese or Asian-inspired displays
- Beginners looking for a forgiving fern
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from a regular Bird's Nest Fern?
Asplenium Antiquum 'Victoria' differs from the common Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) in several ways. The fronds are more uniform in width, the waviness is far more pronounced and sculptural, and the plant is generally hardier and more cold-tolerant. 'Victoria' specifically is selected for its intensely rippled fronds that become more dramatic as the plant matures.
Why are my new fronds less wavy than the older ones?
New fronds may be less wavy if the plant is in lower light conditions or receiving too much fertiliser. Try moving your plant to a brighter spot (still avoiding direct sun) and reducing fertiliser application. The waviness should return in subsequent fronds.
The tips of my fronds are turning brown. What's wrong?
Brown tips typically indicate low humidity, underwatering, or exposure to cold draughts. Increase humidity around the plant, ensure consistent soil moisture, and keep away from air conditioning or heating vents. You can trim brown tips with clean scissors for a tidier appearance.
Can I grow this outdoors in Australia?
In frost-free areas with mild temperatures, Asplenium Antiquum can be grown outdoors in a shaded, protected position. It's actually hardier than A. nidus and can tolerate cooler conditions. Grow it in the fork of a tree, on rocks, or in shaded garden beds with rich, organic soil.
What are the brown lines on the back of the fronds?
These are sori, clusters of spore-producing structures arranged in a distinctive herringbone pattern. They're completely normal and indicate a healthy, mature fern. Don't mistake them for pests or try to remove them.
Please Keep in Mind
Asplenium 'Victoria' is a rewarding fern that combines striking sculptural form with easier care than many tropical relatives. The dramatic waviness of the fronds intensifies as the plant matures, making established specimens particularly impressive. Avoid watering into the central crown, provide consistent moisture and humidity, and your fern will reward you with years of beautiful growth. This plant is non-toxic to pets and humans, making it safe for family homes with curious cats, dogs, and children.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
Shipping & Greenhouse Collection
Let's Talk About How Your Plants Get to You!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'Visit the Greenhouse' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
