Plant guides / Bird's nest fern
'Crispy Wave' fern guide
Asplenium nidus 'Crispy Wave', also called Crispy Wave, wavy bird's nest fern, Asplenium 'Osaka'
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Water the soil, not the center.
- Humidity
- Above average. Dry air browns the frond edges.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky mix of potting soil and orchid bark
- Feeding
- Quarter-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) tall and wide indoors
- Propagation
- Hard at home. Grows from spores.
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Crispy Wave' fern different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the bird's nest fern care guide.
What it is
‘Crispy Wave’ is a bird’s nest fern with wavy, rippled fronds. The fronds are stiff and glossy, with a crinkled look all along their length. It was developed in Japan and is often sold as ‘Osaka’. It is a tough, easy fern.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Fronds | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Crispy Wave’ | Stiff, wavy, rippled | Crinkled edges all the way along |
| Bird’s nest fern | Smooth, flat, glossy | Smooth fronds |
| ‘Victoria’ | Wavy, frilled tips | Ruffled tips, softer fronds |
Care differences
‘Crispy Wave’ handles drier air than most ferns. Its stiff fronds hold up in a dry house. Water the soil around the edge, not into the center rosette, to avoid rot.
Buying it
‘Crispy Wave’ is common at garden centers. Look for firm, green fronds with no brown center.