How To Care for a Bird’s Nest Fern So It Thrives

If you’re looking for a funky-looking houseplant, the bird’s nest fern is for you.

The bird’s nest fern, or Asplenium nidus, is native to the tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and East Africa, and they’re typically found growing on the surface of trees and other plants—so cool! According to The Sill's plant expert Paris Lalicata, the name comes from the plant’s “new growth resembling small bird eggs as they arise from the brown, fuzzy central rosette.”

Caring for these unique plants requires a delicate balance of appropriate light, soil, and moisture conditions that we've outlined below. They grow well in partial sunshine, well-drained soil, and mild temperatures.

The bird’s nest fern is known for its light green, crinkled fronds (aka leaves) that have a waxy cuticle, and Lalicata says these fronds can reach up to 4 feet long when they’re healthy and thriving. While this is not very common—Lalicata clarifies that in most homes, a bird’s nest fern will max out at about 2 feet in diameter—you can certainly still aim for it! Here’s how to care for and grow your bird’s nest fern to get lengthy, luxurious fronds.

Meet the Expert

Paris Lalicata is the plant expert with The Sill.

Related: 10 Spectacular Ferns You'll Want to Add to Your Houseplant Collection

Bird’s Nest Fern Care Tips

Light

This plant does best with some sunshine. “While the plant is able to tolerate low light conditions, it’ll grow much better in bright light conditions,” Lalicata says. She recommends an east- or west-facing window but explains that a diffused south-facing window can work, as long as it doesn’t get too much direct afternoon sunlight. Northern windows are viable, too, so long as there are no obstructions—this will just mean your plant grows a little slower.  She adds, “If natural lighting isn’t an option, consider a grow light!”

Soil and Container

Any standard indoor potting mix that is well-draining works fine, Lalicata says. She says the same for most container types, too, but warns that if you’re planning to use a terracotta pot, the clay material will dry out the soil faster than other materials, like glazed ceramic or plastic. However, if you’re okay with maintaining a more frequent watering schedule, then you’re good! Regardless of pot material, you can choose an option that doesn’t have a drainage hole as long as you’re mindful of how much water you’re pouring into the container, Lalicata advises.

Related: Yes, You Should Fertilize Your Houseplants—Here's How

Water

According to Lalicata, there isn’t a clear-cut amount you should water your plant. “You just want to ensure that you evenly, and thoroughly, saturate the soil between waterings,” she says. Once about half the soil has dried out, the plant will be ready for more water. You can allow the soil to dry out a bit longer if it’s sitting in low light. Lalicata strongly cautions against watering directly into the center of your fern where new growth emerges. She recommends watering around it—otherwise, crown rot will occur.

Temperature and Humidity

The average temperature for a bird’s nest fern to be comfy is between 65 and 75 degrees, which fortunately, is around the average home temperature. Because the plant has a waxy cuticle on its foliage, it retains moisture quite well. It’ll tolerate average home humidity levels, but Lalicata stresses that it’ll thrive in higher humidity levels (40 percent or higher). It’s a tropical plant, after all! Invest in a humidifier or a mister if you live in an especially dry climate.

Fertilizer

Bird's nest ferns need fertilizing about once a month during their active growing season (spring, summer, and early fall). They do best with a mixture of two parts water and one part liquid fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer to the soil, avoiding the fronds as the fertilizer can burn them. You can stop giving them fertilizer in the autumn and then resume again in the spring. 

Pruning Tips

When it comes to pruning your bird's nest ferns, the good news is that they're pretty low-maintenance. You'll only need to trim them occasionally, namely when the outer leaves turn brown and die off. When trimming, focus on the base of the plant, and avoid disturbing any new growth in the center of the plant. Using sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors is crucial when doing your bird's nest pruning.

Potting/Re-Potting Tips

It's crucial to maintain a regular fertilizing schedule for bird's nest ferns, especially during their active growing season (spring, summer, and early fall). A mixture of two parts water and one part liquid fertilizer is ideal for their growth. Spread the fertilizer on the soil, being careful to avoid the fronds, as the fertilizer can damage them. You can pause the fertilizing routine in the autumn and resume it in the spring.

When it comes to potting or repotting your bird's nest fern, start with a container that has proper drainage. Typically, bird's nest ferns don't require repotting due to root space issues. Instead, they usually need repotting because they've grown significantly and need a larger container. Repotting due to size is typically necessary every two or three years.

To ensure that your re-potted fern thrives, simply use a pot that's large enough for the new plant. Gently loosen your plant from the previous pot, taking care not to damage the roots, and place it in the new container, maintaining the same depth as the old pot. Surround the root ball with fresh potting soil, gently firming it in.

Tip

Using a ceramic pot instead of plastic for potting and re-potting anchors the fern better and will help it to stabilize.

Varieties of Bird's Nest Fern

Bird's nest ferns come in a number of varieties, each with its own distinctive appearance. They all fall under the Latin name Asplenium nidus. Different types and characteristics include:

• Antiquum, which has wavy leaves

• Crispy Wave, which has more sword-shaped, wavy leaves

• Osaka, which has narrow, band-like leaves with crinkled edges

• Victoria, which has longer, wavy, tongue-like fronds
  

Bird’s Nest Fern Propagation

Bird’s nest ferns are incredibly challenging to propagate unless you’re a legit plant pro. Lalicata says the plant can only be propagated by spores, which form as small lines on the undersides of the leaves. It cannot be reproduced by stem or leaf cuttings.

Common Problems

Bird’s nest ferns are generally easygoing, but they do have some difficulties.

• Pests: Lalicata says they can be impacted by pests like mealybugs and scale.

• Leaf spots: Bird's nest ferms are prone to leaf spot diseases.

• Wilting leaves: Lalicata says that if your plant appears wilty and pale green, it’s ready for a fresh drink of water.

• Browning leaves: If given too much water, bird's nest leaf edges will brown. (This can also happen if it’s been forever since you last watered it.) Lalicata reiterates that watering around the plant, and not the center of it, is vital.

• Crown rot: “Crown rot is the most common mistake made for this plant. Plant parents water directly into the center of the plant, where the new growth emerges, and it’s usually fatal,” Lalicata says.

Are Bird’s Nest Ferns Toxic to Pets?

If you’ve got fur babies (or human babies!), you’re in luck—the bird’s nest fern is not considered poisonous to cats or dogs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are bird's nest ferns high maintenance?

Bird's nest ferns are typically not a high-maintenance plant. They're easy to care for (with the proper conditions and attention). The good news is that even if your fern does suffer some setbacks, they usually bounce back pretty easily.

Can a bird's nest fern be outdoors?

Though bird's nest ferns are typically an indoor plant, if you're thinking of moving your bird's nest fern outside, wait for a temperature range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal condition for your plant's outdoor stay. Remember, bird's nest ferns enjoy partial shade, so avoid putting them in direct sunlight. However, if the temperatures dip below 50 degrees, bring the plant back inside to ensure its health and longevity.

If the tips of my bird's nest fern turn brown, should I trim them?

Yes, if the tips of your bird's nest fern turn brown, you can easily trim off just the edges. Brown edges can be a sign of many things, including low humidity/dry air or the plant's aging process. Trimming the brown edges won't hurt your fern, but it will keep it looking its best.

Related: 12 Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes With Their House Plants

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