Nice examples of cultivated ʻēkaha on an Oʻahu college campus and in a botanical garden growing with another indigenous fern, kupukupu (Nephrolepis cordifolia). The very wide leaves and sori arrangement leave no doubt that this is indeed Asplenium nidus. Growing as an epiphyte in leaf debris with moa nahele (Psilotum complanatum) in the crotch of a huge ʻahakea (Bobea elatior), an endemic tree in a mesic forest in the Koʻolau Mountains, Oʻahu.

Growth Requirements

General

    These vibrant yet relatively slow-growing ferns make excellent accent plants for shaded to partially sunny areas beneath trees. They thrive in pots and hanging baskets, particularly in shaded locations such as on a north- or east-facing lanaʻi. Additionally, these ferns can be cultivated as indoor container plants and are well-suited for bathrooms, where humidity levels are typically higher.

    While ʻēkaha can tolerate some sunlight, excessive exposure may scorch their leaves, resulting in an unsightly appearance. Fortunately, they often recover, albeit slowly, especially if new growth (emerging fronds) remains unaffected and the plants are relocated to a shadier environment.

    These ferns can be utilized in various ways: planted directly in the ground (terrestrial), nestled among rocks or in crevices (lithophyte), or positioned on tree branches or within branch crotches as epiphytes. Smaller ferns can be secured to branches using twine or nylon stockings and should be kept moist until they establish roots. For an aesthetically pleasing display, consider placing them among large boulders, allowing ample space for their fronds to flourish. Larger ʻēkaha require additional support, as they may topple in windy conditions if not properly anchored. See the following illustrations and explanations to ensure that your fern is anchored and stable in a garden.
    For potted ʻēkaha, apply a slow-release 13-13-13 fertilizer every six months. If larger potted ferns exhibit poor coloration or fail to produce crosiers (fiddleheads or emerging fronds), consider using a complete fertilizer at half the recommended strength. Kay Lynch (Lāʻau Hawaiʻi) suggests that it is important not to till solid fertilizers into the soil, as ferns possess a shallow root system that can be easily disturbed.

Pests and Diseases

    Scale and whiteflies can be problematic. Refer to the Pests & Diseases page for treatments.  

Since ʻēkaha can be top-heavy until established, a tried and proven method to give it an epiphytic look in a garden is to counter-balance the fern by providing weight at the bottom. This example shows a 7½" x 7½" block with a one-inch pipe and filled with quick-drying concrete. The concrete block can be placed partly or fully buried in the ground for extra stability. This setup will provide the required support for a dead hollow hapuʻu stump, which can be filled with first cinder, then a mixture of soil or potting mix and debris such as leaf litter. To provide even greater stability and weight, a pipe can first be driven into the ground, and then the block and cement added. Leave room for the ʻēkaha to be planted at the top. With generous amounts of water and partial sun, it will soon become another natural feature in your garden. This is only one variation of many, and you can modify it for your needs.

Special Features and Information

General

    ʻĒkaha (Asplenium nidus) belongs to one of the largest fern families, Apleniaceae or the Spleenwort family. There are 26 species of Asplenium ferns native to the Hawaiian Islands, 16 of which are endemic [Flora of the Hawaiian Islands].

    On Oʻahu (southern Koʻolau Mts.) and Maui in dry to mesic forests, very young ʻēkaha, known as ʻēkahakaha, are frequently seen with another indigenous fern, ʻoheʻohe (Haplopteris elongata). The long, narrow fronds and rhizomes of ʻoheʻohe appear to look like aerial roots coming from the accompanying ʻēkaha. It is not clear if ʻoheʻohe is growing as an epiphyte on ʻēkaha or the reverse. There may be a mutual advantage [Palmer 2003].

Hawaiian Name

    This fern is sometimes called ʻēkaha kuahiwi, meaning "mountain ʻēkaha," to distinguish it from the mosses or from ʻēkaha kū moana (black coral) [Hawaiian Dictionaries]. ʻĒkahakaha is a juvenile form of ʻēkaha [Palmer 2003]. ʻĀkaha is the same as ʻĒkaha [Hawaiian Dictionaries].

Etymology

    The generic name Asplenium is from the Latin asplenum, meaning "spleenwort." Ancient Greeks believed that this fern could cure spleen diseases [Thomas 2025]. The specific epithet nidus, nest or nest-like [Gledhill 2008].