Bird's nest fern care: watering, light and repotting
Also called asplenium · Asplenium nidus · Aspleniaceae family
8 d in winter
How often to water the bird's nest fern?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 8 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Water around the edge, never into the heart of the rosette, which would rot. One of the easiest ferns.
Misting every 4 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The bird's nest fern is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 16–32 in (40–80 cm).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Browning centre
Cause: Water sitting in the rosette. What to do: Water only the soil, around the plant.
Brown edges
Cause: Dry air. What to do: Mist the foliage.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the bird's nest fern?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 8 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the bird's nest fern?
The bird's nest fern is happy in a dim room, away from windows or facing north. It grows more slowly there, but copes well; above all, avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
Should you mist the bird's nest fern?
Yes, misting every 4 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the bird's nest fern?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the bird's nest fern safe?
The bird's nest fern is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the bird's nest fern forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.