About Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium nidus) are a type of epiphytic plant, meaning they grow high in the crooks of trees. They form a series of erect, spoon-shaped, bright green fronds that rise from a central rosette. Bird’s nest ferns kept as house plants typically have fronds that grow only about 2 feet long, while those in their natural habitat can have fronds up to 5 feet long.

These tropical plants are native to regions such as southeast Asia, Australia, East Africa, and Hawaii, to name a few. These ferns are typically found in palm trees, and their fronds are tropical-like in that they resemble banana leaves. Their fronds are light green, often crinkled or wavy, and rise from a central rosette.

The rosette is fuzzy, where the edges of the leaves meet in the center. Bird’s Nest Ferns make great house plants because they are low maintenance and easy to care for. They do best in indirect light and high humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. If you’re looking for a tropical-looking plant to add to your indoor jungle, this houseplant is a great option!

Additionally, research has shown that having plants in your house will have amazing benefits for you! Visit our article Amazing Psychological Effects of Nature in Pet-Friendly Interiors to find out more!

Bird’s Nest Fern – Live Plant in a 6 Inch Pot – Asplenium Nidus – Beautiful Easy Care Indoor Houseplant Fern

Selecting the Best soil for Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium nidus) are interesting plants that can make a great addition to any home. These plants are native to tropical climates, so they prefer to remain moist in well-drained soil. A peat-based potting mix is a good option for Bird’s Nest Ferns. These plants like to have consistently moist soil, but they will tolerate soil that dries out from time to time. Bird’s Nest Ferns are also relatively easy to care for. They prefer shady conditions and do not need too much fertilizer. Bird’s Nest Ferns can prosper in any indoor environment for many years with proper care.

Selecting the right pot for Bird’s Nest Fern

This vibrant and unique plant will add some pizzazz to any drab room. Though it might seem like a high-maintenance plant, this houseplant is actually easy to take care of. Just follow these simple potting instructions, and you’ll be well on your way to fern ownership.

When selecting a pot, make sure to choose one that is one size bigger than the rootball and has sufficient drainage holes in the bottom. Having said that, it is recommended to start the plant in a 6-10 inch pot, but keep in mind that the size of the pot will depend on the size of your Bird’s Nest Fern.

Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium nidus) are slow growers, so don’t worry about repotting anytime soon. Showcase the plant in a pot on a plant stand or get a hanging basket for the best display. With just a little bit of care, your fern will thrive and bring some life to your home.

Bird’s Nest Fern Hanging Basket – Live Plant in a 4 Inch Hanging Pot

The Best light for Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium nidus) are unusual plants that thrive in dappled light to partial shade and grow well in filtered sunlight to moderate shade. Indoors, they do best in a north-facing window, near an east-facing window, in filtered light, or even in a darker corner. They don’t like too much light, or harsh direct sunlight can burn the leaves.

How to Water Bird’s Nest Fern 

Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium nidus) are finicky when it comes to watering. They prefer consistent soil moisture, but they don’t do well sitting in soggy soil. Water every 1-2 weeks and allow the soil to dry out halfway down between waterings and water more often if your plant is getting a lot of sunlight and less often in lower light.

Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. However, do not water directly into the center of your fern, but instead, water around it, as this can encourage mold growth and cause root rot in the dense nest.

Bird’s Nest Fern Hanging Basket – Live Plant in a 4 Inch Hanging Pot

How to Fertilize Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Ferns are unique, beautiful plants that make a great addition to any home. Unlike most plants, Bird’s Nest Ferns grow slowly, so they don’t need much fertilizer. In fact, overfertilizing is worse than under-fertilizing. During the growing season (spring and summer), apply a 20-20-20 fertilizer, diluted to half strength every three to four weeks.

Do not fertilize during the rest of the year. Overfertilization can cause a chemical burn, and the leaves will take on a brownish or yellowish cast along the edges. It may also deform the leaf shape. But Bird’s Nest Ferns do need some food nonetheless. Apply it to the soil instead of on the leaves – your Bird’s Nest Fern will love you for it!

Best Temperature and Humidity for Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Ferns are a species of fern that is native to tropical rainforests. They are known for their beautiful, distinctively shaped leaves, and they require warm, humid conditions to grow well. Suppose you’re thinking of adding this houseplant to your home. In that case, it’s important to create an environment that replicates their natural habitat as closely as possible. This means maintaining a temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and an indoor humidity level that won’t drop below 50 percent. Bird’s Nest Ferns also prefer a moist growing substrate, so be sure to avoid any standing water.

How to Propagate Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s nest ferns don’t grow baby plants, and new plants will not grow from leaf or stem cuttings. Bird’s nest ferns cannot be divided. They will reproduce via spores held in tiny cases on the underside of their leaves, which makes this houseplant particularly tricky to propagate. However, if you follow these steps, you should be able to propagate your fern via spores.

Step 1.- Wait for the spores to look wide and fuzzy, remove them, and place them in a paper bag.

Step 2.- Sprinkle the spores in a dish of water with some sphagnum moss.

Step 3.- Cover it with a clear bag to retain humidity and look for a hot, shady location and place it there.

Step 4.- Uncover the pot every few weeks to allow fresh air to reach. The spores will germinate after 6 weeks and can be cared for as usual as the fern matures. Enjoy your new plant!

Bird’s Nest Fern Hanging Basket – Live Plant in a 4 Inch Hanging Pot

Common Bird’s Nest Fern Pests and Diseases

The most common indoor bird’s nest fern pests include scale, spider mites, foliar nematodes, shore flies, fungus gnats, and mealybugs. However, most of them can be treated with horticultural oils, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Bird’s nest ferns may also be susceptible to bacterial blight. Prevent blight by avoiding getting water on the foliage.

Scale:

These pests are small, hard-shelled insects that attach themselves to plant leaves and stems and suck out the sap. They can be difficult to spot because they often blend in with the plant’s leaves. Check for small, brown bumps on the stems and leaves if you think your plant has scale. You can also look for honeydew, a sticky substance that scale insects excrete.

To get rid of scale, you’ll need to physically remove them from the plant. Start by spraying the plant with water to loosen the scale. Then, use your fingers or a cotton swab to remove the scale insects from the plant. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to scrub them off. Once you’ve removed the scale insects, treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap to prevent them from coming back.

Spider mites:

Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on plant sap. They’re most commonly found in dry, dusty conditions. If your plant has spider mites, you may see small webs on the leaves and stems. The leaves may also turn yellow or brown and feel sticky to the touch. To get rid of spider mites, start by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them. Then, remove any webs or eggs you see on the plant.

Fungus gnats:

Fungus gnats are small, black flies that are attracted to damp conditions. They’re often found near potted plants, especially if the fresh potting mix is too wet. If your plant has fungus gnats, you may see small flies near the soil or small black dots on the leaves. The plant may also seem stunted or wilted. To get rid of fungus gnats, start by letting the soil dry out completely. Then, remove any decaying plant matter or standing water from the pot.

Mealybugs:

Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on plant sap. They’re often found in humid conditions, such as greenhouses or bathrooms. If your plant has mealybugs, you may see small white bugs on the leaves and stems. The leaves may also turn yellow or brown and feel sticky to the touch. To get rid of mealybugs, start by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them. Then, remove any bugs or eggs you see on the plant.

Bacterial blight:

Bacterial blight is a disease that affects bird’s nest ferns. The symptoms include yellow or brown spots on the leaves, wilting, and leaf drops. Bacterial blight is most commonly caused by too much water on the leaves. To prevent bacterial blight, make sure to water the plant at the base and not get the leaves wet.

If your plant has bacterial blight, you’ll need to remove any affected leaves. Destroy the leaves so they can’t spread the disease to other plants. Then, water the plant at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet. You can also treat the plant with a copper-based fungicide.

Foliar nematodes:

Foliar nematodes are tiny worms that feed on plant sap. They’re often found in humid conditions, such as greenhouses or bathrooms. If your plant has foliar nematodes, you may see small white bugs on the leaves and stems. The leaves may also turn yellow or brown and feel sticky to the touch. To get rid of foliar nematodes, start by spraying the plant with water to dislodge them. Then, remove any bugs or eggs you see on the plant.

Shore flies:

Shore flies are small, black flies that are attracted to damp conditions. They’re often found near potted plants, especially if the potting mix is too wet. If your plant has shore flies, you may see small flies near the soil or small black dots on the leaves. The plant may also seem stunted or wilted. To get rid of shore flies, start by completely letting the soil dry out. Then, remove any decaying plant matter or standing water from the pot. You can also treat the plant with an insecticide.

Powdery mildew:

Powdery mildew is a fungus that affects bird’s nest ferns. The symptoms include white powdery spots on the leaves. Powdery mildew is most commonly caused by too much humidity. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure to keep the leaves dry and the air around the plant humid.

If your plant has powdery mildew, you’ll need to remove any affected leaves. Destroy the leaves so they can’t spread the disease to other plants. Then, water the plant at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide.

Bird’s Nest Fern Hanging Basket – Live Plant in a 4 Inch Hanging Pot

When should I repot my bird’s Nest Fern?

Bird’s Nest Ferns are one of the most popular houseplants around, and it’s easy to see why. They’re easy to care for, look great, and don’t need much attention. However, there is one thing that you need to be aware of if you own a Bird’s Nest Fern, and that’s repotting.

Because they’re epiphytic, their roots won’t grow large enough for them to require constant repotting. However, after some years, they can become unstable as they grow and will end up needing a larger base to attach themselves. The best way to avoid this is to repot every 2-3 years or when it appears to become unbalanced on its current platform.

If you do have to repot Bird’s Nest Ferns, use an appropriate peat-based potting mix and a pot that provides side stability for the long fronds. Following these simple tips will help ensure that you have a happy and healthy plant for years to come.

How to prune Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird’s Nest Ferns are generally easy to care for and don’t require much pruning, as they tend to maintain their own shape and size. However, you can remove leaves from the outside of the plant down at the plant’s base and trim leaves that are less visually appealing as necessary.

It is normal for lower leaves to grow old and scraggly, in which case you can remove them at the base with sharp, clean pruning shears. You don’t need to prune the fronds, but removing any dead fronds or leaves that have died will help your fern create new leaves and remain healthy. Bird’s Nest Ferns make great houseplants because they are low-maintenance and add a touch of the tropics to your home décor!

Care for Bird’s Nest Fern – FAQ

Does Bird’s Nest Fern need direct sunlight?

No, Bird’s Nest Fern does not need direct sunlight and, in fact, prefers indirect or filtered light. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch.

What type of potting soil should I use for my Bird’s Nest Fern?

A well-draining potting mix is best for Bird’s Nest Fern. You can use a standard potting mix or make your own by mixing together equal parts peat moss, perlite, and sand.

What is the best way to water my Bird’s Nest Fern?

The best way to water Bird’s Nest Fern is to water at the base of the plant, taking care not to get the leaves wet. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. They are tolerant of a wide range of watering schedules, so you can water them as often or as little as you like. Just be sure to not over or underwater them.

My Bird’s Nest Fern has brown spots on the leaves; what does this mean?

Brown spots on the leaves of Bird’s Nest Fern are usually caused by too much direct sunlight. Move your plant to a location with indirect or filtered light, and the spots should start to fade. If the spots are large and dark, they may be caused by a fungal disease. If this is the case, you’ll need to treat the plant with a fungicide.

I think my Bird’s Nest Fern is rootbound; how do I know for sure?

To check if your Bird’s Nest Ferns are rootbound, gently remove it from its pot and check the roots. If they are tightly wound around the inside of the pot, it’s time to repot.

When should I repot my Bird’s Nest Fern?

It’s best to repot Bird’s Nest Ferns every 2-3 years or when it starts to become unbalanced in its pot.

How do I repot my Bird’s Nest Fern?

To repot Bird’s Nest Ferns, gently remove it from its pot and loosen the roots. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Place the plant in the pot, backfill with soil, and then water well.

My Bird’s Nest Fern is growing long, leggy fronds; what can I do to fix this?

This is usually a sign that it’s not getting enough light. Move the plant to a location with bright indirect light, and the fronds should start to grow more compact. You can also cut back the long fronds to encourage new growth.

Do Bird’s Nest Ferns have different names?

Yes, it is also called Crow’s Nest Fern.

Are Bird’s Nest Ferns easy to care for?

Yes, they are easy to care for and don’t require much pruning. 

Do Bird’s Nest Ferns grow fast?

No, they don’t grow fast, but they can reach up to 2 feet in height.