Plants 101

Bird’s Nest Fern

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Bird’s Nest Fern
Learn how to care for the Bird’s Nest Fern!

Native to tropical regions such as southeast Asia, Australia, east Africa and Hawaii to name a few, Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium Nidus) are typically found in palm trees. Given the right indoor environment, they will thrive and make for a wonderfully unique houseplant. Ferns come in a wide variety of colors and textures. The Bird’s Nest Fern has large simple fronds that 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 emerging fronds resemble bird’s eggs - hence the common name.

General Care 

Sunlight

Thrives in medium to bright indirect light, but can tolerate low indirect light.

Water

Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out half way down between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Do not water directly into the center of your fern, but instead, water around it.

Humidity

Tolerates average indoor humidity. Prefers high humidity. 

Temperature

Average home temperature of 65°F-75°F. If you’re comfortable, the Bird’s Nest Fern is comfortable.

Size

Indoors, the Bird’s Nest Fern can grow to approximately 2’.

Common Problems

SYMPTOM: Pale green leaves, dry potting mix
CAUSE: Thirsty plant, underwatered

SYMPTOM: Yellowing lower leaves, wet potting mix
CAUSE: Too much light or overwatering 

SYMPTOM: Brown, crispy leaves
CAUSE: Humidity, underwatering

Words By The Sill

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