With cascading ruffled foliage, the crispy wave fern elegantly graces indoor spaces. This charming petite fern has visually striking wavy leaves that belie its small stature. Native to Australia, its finely cut fronds emerge light green and mature to deep forest green. Growing just 4-8 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide, the crispy wave fern features a clump-forming habit with multiple ruffled fronds. It provides year-round beauty in a compact package when given proper care. The lovely waves and ripples of its foliage add a graceful texture perfect for shelves, tabletops, and hangings.
An Overview of the Crispy Wave Fern
The crispy wave fern, known botanically as Asplenium antiquum, is a compact evergreen perennial in the spleenwort family. Native to eastern Australia, it features finely cut fronds that emerge with a lush light green color and mature to a deeper forest green. The ruffled foliage creates lovely waves and ripples, cascading softly downward to form the plant’s elegant, weeping habit.
This delicate fern reaches a petite size of just 4-8 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide. It has a clump-forming growth habit, sending up multiple fronds in a clustered base. The crispy wave fern does best in bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, though it is relatively adaptable to various household conditions. With proper care, it provides year-round beauty in a small package.
Crispy Wave Fern Size Chart
Size Metric | Size Imperial | |
Height | 4-8 inches | 10-20 cm |
Width | 12-18 inches | 30-45 cm |
Growth Habit | Clump forming | Clump forming |
Fronds per Plant | 5-10 | 5-10 |
Frond Length | 4-7 inches | 10-18 cm |
Spread of Fronds | 12-18 inches | 30-45 cm |
Ideal Growing Conditions for Crispy Wave Ferns
Crispy wave ferns thrive in the protected, warm environment of an indoor setting.
Here are some key conditions to provide for your plant:
Light
Bright, filtered light keeps the crispy wave fern looking its best. Place it near an east or west-facing window where it will receive gentle morning or afternoon sun. Direct hot sunlight will scorch the delicate foliage, so diffusion through a sheer curtain works well. If keeping it further from a window, consider supplementing natural light with a fluorescent or LED grow light.
Temperature
This fern prefers average room temperatures between 60-75°F. Avoid excessively hot or cold spots which can cause leaf damage. Lightly mist the plant to increase humidity if the air is very dry.
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy wet. Allow the top inch to partially dry out between waterings. Use room temperature filtered or distilled water for the healthiest roots. Pour off any excess that collects in the saucer beneath the pot.
Humidity
Higher humidity keeps the foliage looking fresh. Place the fernpot on a pebble tray filled with water, mist it daily, or use a humidifier to maintain average humidity around 40-50%. Avoid dry, drafty areas.
Soil
Use a rich organic potting mix made for ferns and tropical plants. This should contain peat moss for moisture retention along with added perlite or bark to allow drainage. Keep the pH between 6.0-7.0.
Planting Your New Crispy Wave Fern
When bringing home a new crispy wave fern, follow these tips to get it established in its new home:
- Choose a planting container 2-4 inches wider than the root mass with drainage holes at the base. A 4-6 inch pot suits this petite fern nicely.
- Use fresh potting soil suitable for ferns and tropicals, moistening it before placing the plant.
- Carefully remove the fern from its nursery pot and loosen tangled roots. Place in the new container at the same level it was growing before.
- Fill in around the roots with potting mix, firming it gently to support the plant. Leave about 1/2 inch below the rim.
- Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the bottom. Allow any excess to drain fully from the saucer.
- Place in a warm bright location free from direct sun. Begin following a regular watering and care regimen.
Caring for Your Crispy Wave Fern
With high moisture and filtered light, the crispy wave fern will flourish indoors.
Follow these care guidelines for continued health:
- Watering: Check the soil daily, watering whenever the top inch becomes dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the drainage holes. Avoid allowing the soil to completely dry out.
- Light: Provide bright indirect light near an east or west window. Rotate periodically for even foliage growth. Supplement with a grow light if needed.
- Humidity: Mist leaves frequently and place the pot atop a pebble tray. Use a humidifier to maintain 40-50% humidity.
- Temperature: Keep between 60-75°F, away from hot and cold drafts.
- Air Circulation: Allow open-air movement around the fern. Periodically fan the plant to prevent dust buildup.
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Discontinue in the winter months.
- Grooming: Remove any yellowed, dry fronds near the base to encourage new growth. Keep foliage dust-free.
Propagating Crispy Wave Ferns
Crispy wave ferns can be readily propagated by divisions. Follow these simple steps:
1. Carefully Remove the Plant from its Pot
Use a dinner fork to gently loosen the root ball from the container. Support the base as you slide the plant out.
2. Divide the Root Clump into Smaller Sections
With clean hands or tools, divide the fern into smaller clumps of 3-5 fronds each. Be sure each division has sufficient roots.
3. Prepare Individual Pots for the Divided Plants
Fill 3-4 inch pots most of the way with fresh potting soil made for ferns. Moisten the mix before planting.
4. Plant the Divided Ferns Into Their Own Containers
Place each smaller fern into its pot, positioning at the same level it was growing before. Finish filling in with soil.
5. Water Well and Place in Ideal Growing Conditions
Water thoroughly after planting and move to a warm, bright filtered light location. Care for as usual as they establish.
In a few weeks, your propagations will develop into full-sized crispy wave ferns, creating attractive new plants!
Common Issues With Crispy Wave Ferns
When provided with proper growing conditions, crispy wave ferns are generally robust. But at times, you may encounter:
- Dry foliage: Increase watering frequency and use room humidifier. Brown crispy foliage is a sign of inadequate moisture.
- Leaf spots: Can indicate fungal disease. Prune affected fronds and treat with fungicidal spray. Ensure sufficient air circulation.
- Root rot: Caused by overly wet soil. Allow the plant to fully dry out for a period before watering moderately again. May need repotting.
- Leggy growth: Indicates insufficient light. Move the plant closer to a window or provide supplemental lighting.
- Pale fronds: Usually due to nitrogen deficiency. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Designing With Crispy Wave Ferns
The graceful cascading form and texture of the crispy wave fern make it a gorgeous design element in any indoor space.
Here are some tips for beautifully incorporating these ferns into your home:
- Display on a console or desk in an entryway or foyer for welcoming texture by the front door.
- Tuck into a macrame or hanging fiber basket to allow the ruffles to spill over attractively.
- Pair with other petite ferns like button fern or maidenhair in a mixed planter or terrarium.
- Place several along a bath or kitchen windowsill to take advantage of the bright ambient moisture.
- Use as a living centerpiece on dining and coffee tables, surrounded by complementary decor.
- Cluster three or more together on a sideboard, tiered plant stand or fireplace hearth as a focal point.
- Weave into an open bookcase or etageres for an easy-care green element.
Conclusion
With its delightful ruffled form and easy, compact size, the crispy wave fern adds a gentle grace to sheltered indoor spaces. When provided with bright filtered sunlight, consistent moisture, and warm humid conditions, this charming plant remains lush and vibrant year-round. Its fine delicate foliage cascades elegantly over the edges of planters and hanging baskets. The crispy wave fern mixes beautifully with other petite ferns or can be used alone as living art. Follow the recommendations in this guide for successfully growing and enjoying this lovely plant in your home.
5 FAQs about Growing Crispy Wave Ferns
Here are answers to five of the most frequently asked questions about successfully cultivating crispy wave ferns indoors:
1. How often should I water my crispy wave fern?
These ferns need consistently moist soil but dislike sogginess. Check the soil daily and water whenever the top inch becomes dry. Ensure the excess drains fully after watering.
2. What type of light does a crispy wave fern need?
Bright indirect light keeps this fern thriving. An east or west-facing window filtered by a sheer curtain is ideal. Avoid direct hot sun which will burn the leaves.
3. How do I increase humidity for my crispy wave fern?
Use a room humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray, and mist the foliage frequently. Shoot for average humidity around 40-50%. Higher humidity prevents dry, crispy fronds.
4. Why are some of my fern fronds turning brown and crispy?
Crispy dry fronds result from underwatering and/or low humidity. Increase watering frequency, use a humidifier near the plant, and mist the leaves daily to remedy this.
5. What kind of potting soil should I use for a crispy wave fern?
These ferns thrive in a rich, organic potting mix made for tropical plants. Look for a blend containing peat moss, compost, perlite or bark for good moisture retention and aeration.