Hurricane Fern (Asplenium antiquum ‘VITASPHUR’)

Hurricane Fern Plant Features

Bird's nest fern is one of the easier ferns to grow indoors thanks to its thick fronds, which help it hold up to low humidity and drying out. Hurricane Fern is an outstanding new selection. Bred in the Netherlands in 2014, Hurricane boasts the same fabulous indoor performance, but with long, narrow, textural  fronds that have a twist to them (which is how it received its name). 

This newer variety is an excellent houseplant for adding a sculptural note to desks and tabletops. It makes for a beautiful contrast to other ferns, and grows just as well in a terrarium or plant case. 

Note: Because it has such a unique growth pattern, it was patented by the plant breeder in 2022 (PP28746P3) so propagation is prohibited.  Learn more about plant patents. Note: Hurricane Fern was discontinued from the Trending Tropicals® collection in late 2022.

Hurricane Fern Growing Instructions

Light
Grow Hurricane Fern in medium to bright light for best results. It will tolerate low light, but a brighter spot will help it grow and look its best. It grows well under both natural and artificial light, so you can enjoy it in an east- or west-facing window or under a plant light. (Or, in a dimmer window with a plant light!) The one thing to avoid is direct sun, particularly in the afternoon hours. Too much sun can cause the leaves to develop sunburn (which on plants, unlike people, does not heal). 

Water
Like most indoor ferns, Hurricane Fern prefers to be evenly moist (think about as moist as a well-wrung sponge), but can dry out a little before its leaves start to go brown. One way to tell whether it's getting dry is to look closely at the leaves --- when they're shiny, it's well hydrated. When the fronds start to develop a dull appearance, it's thirsty. 
That said, avoid overwatering --- if the roots stay too wet for too long, they will start to suffocate, die, and rot. 

Humidity
Hurricane Fern will grow well in typical indoor humidity, but true to its roots, prefers above-average humidity levels. If you're in a particularly arid area, or your space has dry air (from heating or air conditioning being run constantly), consider boosting the moisture in the air by growing it under a cloche, in a terrarium or case, near a small humidifier, or grouped with other houseplants. 

Fertilizing
Hurricane Fern isn't a particularly hungry houseplant, so you can fertilize it as little as once or twice a year. Or if you want it to grow larger and faster, you can fertilize more frequently. Regardless, be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging. Never apply fertilizer more frequently or in greater quantities than the instructions recommend. 

Pruning
Good news! Hurricane Fern doesn't require any pruning except to remove any old leaves that have started to go yellow. 

This variety is grown for ornamental use and is not intended for human or animal consumption. We advise keeping it out of reach from children or pets that may nibble.

  • Water

    Constantly moist soil

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Low light

    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Green

  • Special Features

    Purifies the air

Complement your Hurricane Fern

Network Calathea
Enjoy a stunning contrast in textures with upright Network Calathea.

Geo
Geo (Geogenanthus ciliatus) is an uncommon houseplant that provides a unique color and texture contrast to Hurricane Fern!

Silver Dragon Alocasia
Silver Dragon Alocasia and Hurricane Fern make for a fun plant pairing that combines different colors and shapes.

Q&A

Do you need to turn Hurricane Fern to get it to grow in a spiral?
Good news! Its fronds naturally grow with the twist/spiral shape, so you do not need to turn your Hurricane Fern. Its new growth will always come out like this.