[8] Asplenium nidus forms large simple fronds visually similar to banana leaves, with the fronds growing to 50–150 centimetres (20–59 in) long and 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) broad, with occasional individuals up to 6.6 feet (two meters) in length by up to two feet (61 centimeters) width [9] They are light green, often crinkled, with a black midrib, and exhibit circinate vernation.

These sori form long rows extending out from the midrib on the back of the outer part of the lamina (frond).

The fronds roll back as they brown and create a massive leaf nest in the branches and trunks of trees.

[11] A global phylogeny of Asplenium published in 2020 divided the genus into eleven clades,[12] which were given informal names pending further taxonomic study.

While the subclades of this group are poorly resolved, several of them share a characteristic "bird's-nest fern" morphology with entire leaves and fused veins near the margin.

[8] Asplenium nidus can survive either as an epiphyte or terrestrial plant, but typically grows on organic matter.