Bird's Nest Fern

A Bird's Nest Fern needs to be regularly watered to remain healthy. Drench its soil and allow it to dry slightly between waterings. During the winter season, it requires less watering; but make sure you check the soil before doing so by poking your finger 1 to 2 inches into the soil. If the fingertip is dry past that depth, then it’s time to water. Watering every 1 to 2 weeks should suffice.

Placing a Bird's Nest Fern in the right light will help it grow most successfully. It loves bright, indirect light and can handle full sun, but sudden exposure to intense and direct summer sunlight will cause scorching and deterioration of its leaves. Full sun exposure should be avoided if possible and the plants should be on the shady side of a south-facing window in the summer. It tolerates low light well and can be placed in a north-facing window or behind a sheer curtain.

The Bird's Nest Fern loves warm temperatures that range between 65–85 degrees Fahrenheit (18–29 degrees Celsius) year-round, but they also tolerate lower temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). Outdoor plants can suffer in cold snaps in the winter, so it is best to keep them indoors until the warm season has returned.

The Bird's Nest Fern loves high humid levels, so misting its foliage or setting the pot in trays of water will help it stay in optimal condition, especially since indoor air is usually lower in humidity. If desired, you may also use a humidifier to maintain optimum moisture levels.

The Bird's Nest Fern prefers well-draining soils with plenty of organic matter. A soil mix of compost, sphagnum peat, and perlite or bark is ideal. Alternatively, you can purchase a soil mix that is specifically made for ferns.

Nourish your Bird's Nest Fern with a balanced, all-purpose slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer at half strength once every two weeks during the spring and summer seasons. Do not overfertilize as this can burn the plant. During the winter season, a light fertilization with a small amount of fertilizer once a month is enough to sustain it.

The Bird's Nest Fern may be susceptible to some common houseplant pests such as whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and other scales. The best way to combat these is to keep your fern healthy and free of dust. Black sooty mold may also form on its leaves if it’s overly misted, so be sure to regulate the moisture levels in its soil and air. If pests become an issue, use an insecticidal spray and apply it several times a few days apart. For severe infestations, contact an experienced landscaper or pest control service.

The Bird's Nest Fern should be repotted every other year in the late spring season. Be sure to use a potting soil mix that is meant for ferns. When repotting, make sure to disturb its roots as little as possible. Give it a good soaking right before repotting in order to make sure the roots aren't struggling to adjust to changes.

Prune your Bird's Nest Fern by removing any brown and dead fronds as they occur. It’s also a good idea to prune off any damaged leaves or segments of leaves. If the leaves become too long and floppy, prune them off to preserve its beauty and keep balance. Make sure to use sterilized cutting tools for this pruning.

Mulching your Bird's Nest Fern is beneficial as it helps retain moisture and adds extra nutrients. Use a mulch that is well-rotted organic matter such as compost or leaf mold, but avoid materials that may retain too much water such as peat moss. Do not place any mulch too close to the fern's stems as this can cause the stems to rot.

Propagating Bird’s Nest Ferns is relatively easy and can be done from spore or root offshoots. For spore propagation, you will need to purchase a fern spore from a nursery or garden center and follow the instructions on the packet. For root offshoots, you will need to detach a rootlet from the base of the plant and carefully separate it from the mother. Plant the offshoot in a pot filled with moist, well-draining soil and place it in a brightly lit area. Water it regularly and you should see new growth within a couple of weeks.

A Bird's Nest Fern may not require any support - its deep rooting system should be enough to support a plant once it matures. If the plant does require a stake to ensure the foliage stays erect, use a thin bamboo or wooden stake.

The Bird's Nest Fern doesn't need a rest period as it is not a deciduous plant; however, due to its thick foliage, it does benefit from a slight decrease in watering and fertilization during the winter season. Be sure to check the soil before watering and only water it when it feels slightly dry at 1 to 2 inches deep.

The Bird's Nest Fern is not considered toxic to pets.