Introduction
Asplenium (Asplenium nidus L.) commonly known as Birds nest fern is an ornamental fern. This plant belongs to the family Aspleniaceae. It is used for ornamental, decorative, medicinal, and worship purposes in many cultures. This is an endangered ornamental fern and best known for its long fronds which give a good green soothing look to the indoor environment. Some of the Birds Nest Fern benefits and how to take care of them are as follows
This fern mainly grows as an epiphyte and terrestrial plant and requires a warm humid environment for its good growth. It is a shade-loving plant and requires partial or full shade and grows well in rich organic matter.
Traditional medicinal properties of Asplenium
Asplenium or Birds Nest Fern benefits are mainly due to its high secondary metabolites like it is rich in phenols and flavonoids thus has antioxidant properties. studies suggest that this plant possesses antibacterial and tumor-killing properties (1). These properties are thus important for their chemo-preventive potential against multi-resistant pathogens (MDR).
Besides this, the fern Asplenium is traditionally used to treat asthma, fever, chest pain, cough, sores, and weakness. It is also useful in the treatment of bad breath.
Due to rich in amino acids and minerals like zinc and other lives is good for bone and muscles. It helps in giving strength to the muscles ad bones, promotes bone cell growth, and accelerates the healing of fractures (2).
Botanical description
The fern reaches up to 2-4 feet in length and breadth both. The plant is a slow grower. The leaves or fronds of the plants emerge directly from the soil these are simple in structure with linear shape and pinnate venation.
How to take care of Asplenium
Light requirement
Asplenium (Birds Nest Fern) loves to grow under partial shade or full shade. Therefore for the healthy growth of this plant keep the plant indoor or in your balconies. The fronds turn yellow and the growth of plants also stops when too much exposure to the sun.
Soil type
It requires rich moist soil and shady locations. The soil should be rich in humus or organic content. The water holding capacity should be good with aeration.
Fertilization
The plant is almost self-sufficient. Too many fertilizers spoil the fronds. Excessive fertilization will decelerate the growth with thick or deformed fronds leads to necrosis and death of the plant.
Asplenium (Birds Nest Fern) indoor air purifier
1. Absorbs harmful gases
The large broad fronds of these plants are not only used for their medicinal properties and ornamental purposes but also having air purifying capacity. It absorbs many harmful gases like formaldehyde and nicotine (2).
2. Absorbs HCHO (Formaldehyde)
As we all know the higher concentration of indoor air pollutants causes many types of illnesses. HCHO is one of the indoor air pollutants. High concentration causes nausea, vomiting, cough, and chest pain (4) capacity (3). High temperature and humidity increase the diffusion of HCHO. Asplenium (Bird’s Nest Fern) helps in controlling and removing the HCHO concentration and purifies the air (3).
2. Improves indoor air quality and temperature
Studies suggested that the high transpiration rate of Asplenium helps in lowering the indoor temperature to nearly 2°C and increases the humidity up to 10% (3).