Asplenium nidus

Botanical Name — Asplenium nidus

Common Name — Bird’s Nest Fern, Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern

Plant Family — Aspleniaceae

Background

Asplenium nidus are epiphytic ferns native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii, Polynesia, Christmas Island, India, and eastern Africa. Known for its thick, spear-like leaves that unfurl from a central “nest,” this plant in the wild can easily grow to have a six foot wingspan. At home, they prefer an environment that mimics their habitat clinging to larger trees, where they enjoy filtered sunlight through a higher canopy.

Growth Requirements

Sun

Bird’s Nest Ferns grow best in light shade, or medium to bright filtered sunlight. However, a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning could benefit this plant and encourage it to grow faster. An east facing window would be ideal.

Temperature/ Humidity

Asplenium nidus will thrive in high humidity environments. Ambient moisture is essential to keeping these feathery fronds lush and green. A bathroom or kitchen where there is plenty of humidity is a great spot.
A temperature of about 70°F is ideal, avoid anything below 60°F.
Consistent temperature is key. These ferns are not very tolerant of temperature fluctuations or cold, drafty air.

Water

Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. For a 6 inch sized pot, this should be about every 2 to 3 days. In very warm conditions it could be as often as every day or every other day.
The rhizomes should not be allowed to dry out. Mist them daily to keep them moist.

Soil/Roots

In their native environment, Asplenium nidus are spoiled by a rich, moist, well-drained soil, and fertilized by decaying organic matter. Coco coir and compost are excellent amendments to ensure that soil provides adequate moisture and is high in organic nutrients.
Bird’s Nest Ferns have shallow root systems. Do not plant them too deeply, and keep rhizomes at the soil surface to avoid rot.

Flowering

Asplenium nidus are ferns and therefore reproduce by spores, not flowers.

Fertilization

Fertilization is generally not necessary, but if you choose to fertilize, feed your fern once every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted at half the recommended strength. Ferns love fish emulsion.

Propagation

Many ferns can be propagated by division, but this plant’s centralized structure makes that impossible. Avoid propagating this plant at home.

Health

Diseases

Because these plants like moisture and high humidity, gray mold and other types of fungal infections are a concern. Prune away any unhealthy fronds and treat with a fungicide for plants. If mold is found in the soil prune away any affected roots and repot the plant in a clean pot using fresh soil.
Aphids, mealy bugs, and scale are attracted to these plants. To treat, wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol or diluted neem oil.
If infestation is especially bad, washing the foliage with a gentle soap is known to be effective. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

Repot when the plant is rootbound, and only during the spring and summer. These will do best in a plastic or glazed clay pot. Unglazed clay wicks away moisture and leaves the soil prone to dryness.
Even in the most ideal conditions, lower fronds will brown and eventually die. Pruning these away will allow the plant to dedicate energy to producing new growth.

Toxicity