BIRD’S NEST FERN
ASPLENIUM NIDUS
Unlike a typical fern, this striking plant has undivided leathery fronds that have a very shiny surface. Its compact vase shape gives it great appeal when viewed from any side or from above. The polished, evergreen leaves catch the light, which adds to this stylish plant’s considerable charm.
HEIGHT 24in (60cm)
SPREAD 16in (40cm)
FLOWERS None
FOLIAGE Wide, undivided fronds
LIGHT Light shade
TEMPERATURE 55–75°F (13–24°C)
CARE Fairly easy
PLACE OF ORIGIN Hawaii
CARE
A humid room, such as a bathroom with a frosted window or skylight, is ideal for this fern, whose native home is tropical woodland. These origins also explain why the bird’s nest fern is best planted in commercial potting mix that should never be allowed to dry out.
It might be tempting to leave your plant sitting in a dish of water, but it’s important to avoid this as it could cause it to become disease-prone (see image). However, a light misting twice a week is sensible if the air in the room is too dry. Apply half-strength balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and fall. Cleaning the leaves of the fern with a damp cloth not only keeps the plant looking tidy, but enables it to receive more light.
Repot every other year in spring and if you like creating more plants for free, then try collecting the tiny spores from the back of the leaves. Place them on a bed of potting mix and cover with a sheet of glass. Keep the pot in a warm, shady spot.
PROBLEM SOLVING Given the right conditions, this is a problem-free plant, but if watered excessively it is prone to root rot. Scale insects can also be an issue, but don’t mistake the spores of the fern for the pests, as they look similar and are both found on the underside of the fronds.
Bird’s nest fern enjoys high humidity and is at home in a steamy bathroom.
This plant’s spores are to be found on the underside of its fronds.
DISPLAY
The bird’s nest fern, with its arching fronds, is well-suited to a hanging basket. This is a great way of displaying the plant in a bathroom, where surface space can be limited. For a tropical display with impact, pair this fern with other types of ferns, such as the maidenhair fern and Boston fern, both of which look equally at home in a hanging basket.
Houseplants A–Z | BIRD’S NEST FERN
ALSO TRY
The glossy, bright green foliage of the handsome bird’s nest fern adds style to both traditional and contemporary interiors. This is an extremely tidy plant, with an unfussy appearance. Other similarly stylish plants include:
- Moses-in-the-cradle (Tradescantia spathacea), height 18in (45cm). This plant is perfect for a shady, humid room. It has neat, green and purple sword-shaped leaves that point upward.
- Pleated bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus ‘Crispy Wave’), height 24in (60cm). This plant shares all the attributes and care needs of the bird’s nest fern but has attractive, ruffled leaves.