How to Care for a Bird’s Nest Fern

Native to the South American rainforests, the wild Bird’s Nest Fern is an epiphyte, often growing on the trunks of trees, particularly palm trees. With its bright green, wavy fronds, it sprouts in the shape of eggs, forming a rosette that resembles a delicate, well-crafted bird’s nest.

With easyplant’s self-watering system, caring for your Bird’s Nest Fern is effortless. Simply check the easyplant reservoir once a month and top it up when it’s empty! Problems with Bird’s Nest Fern often arise when the plant receives either too much or too little water. The easyplant watering system makes maintaining a healthy plant hassle-free.

Bird’s Nest Fern grows best in bright, indirect light, where the sun’s rays are diffused. It can also adapt to bright, direct sunlight. Avoid placing it in areas with low light or no natural sunlight.

In the first few days after bringing your Bird’s Nest Fern home, one or two leaves might fall or turn yellow. This is a normal part of its adjustment process and not a cause for concern. Once it has settled in, it’s a low-maintenance plant that will bounce back quickly from any mishap. To encourage even growth, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot by a quarter turn once a month.

Bird’s Nest Fern grows slowly, with its bright green fronds reaching up to 60cm long. With a slow growth rate, the length of Bird’s Nest Fern leaves depends on the care they receive in their early months. As this plant naturally grows on or near other plants, it prefers to be kept in smaller pots. Using a pot that is too large can cause its roots to spread too far, diverting energy away from leaf growth. While their leaves typically reach around 60cm in length, they can grow up to 1.5m in optimal conditions. Growing at a rate of 5-15cm per year, these plants take a few years to reach full maturity. Many Bird’s Nest Fern owners enjoy caring for them, watching their steady growth over time.

Bird’s Nest Ferns flourish in temperatures between 18°C and 29°C. This makes care easy, as there’s no need to adjust your home’s temperature for your new plant. However, since Bird’s Nest Ferns come from tropical environments, they thrive in higher humidity than the average home provides. To keep your plant healthy and hydrated, consider placing it near other plants or using a room humidifier. These simple steps help recreate its natural habitat, ensuring it stays happy and thriving.

Bird’s Nest Ferns are non-toxic and safe for both children and pets. While they pose no significant risk if ingested (gastrointestinal upset or mild skin irritations), it’s best to prevent pets from nibbling on the leaves and remind children not to put parts of the plant in their mouths.

If you notice the leaves turning brown, try moving the plant to a location with less direct light. If the leaves are yellowing, relocate the plant to a brighter area with more indirect light.