The Asplenium “Crispy Wave” (also called the Crispy Wave Fern) is a beautiful, wavy-leaved houseplant known for its lush, sculptural foliage and air-purifying qualities. It’s a type of bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus variety). Here’s a complete care guide 👇
🌿 Basic Overview
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Scientific name: Asplenium nidus ‘Crispy Wave’
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Common names: Crispy Wave Fern, Japanese Asplenium, Bird’s Nest Fern
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Origin: Tropical Asia and the Pacific islands
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Growth habit: Compact, upright rosette of wavy, bright green fronds
☀️ Light
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Prefers bright, indirect light.
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Avoid direct sunlight — it can scorch the delicate leaves.
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Tolerates lower light conditions but may grow more slowly.
💡 Tip: East- or north-facing windows are ideal. If kept in a south or west window, diffuse the light with sheer curtains.
💧 Watering
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Keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy.
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Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry.
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Avoid letting water sit in the central “nest” (the crown), as it can cause crown rot.
💧 Tip: Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if possible — Crispy Waves are sensitive to hard water or chlorine.
💨 Humidity & Temperature
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Loves high humidity (60–80%) — perfect for bathrooms or kitchens.
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If your home is dry, use a humidifier or place the pot on a pebble tray with water.
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Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C). Avoid cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
🌱 Soil & Potting
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Use a light, well-draining mix that retains moisture — e.g.:
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2 parts peat or coco coir
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1 part perlite
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1 part orchid bark
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Repot every 1–2 years in spring when roots outgrow the pot.
🌸 Fertilizer
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Feed lightly during spring and summer (every 4–6 weeks) with a diluted balanced houseplant fertilizer (½ strength).
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Do not fertilize in winter.
✂️ Maintenance
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Gently remove dead or damaged fronds at the base.
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Avoid touching the delicate young fronds too often — oils from skin can damage them.
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Keep the center (the “nest”) clean and dry.