Bird's Nest Fern
Broad, wavy, apple-green fronds unfurling from a central rosette, more like a bromeliad than a lacy fern. Pet-safe, tolerant of lower light, and the easiest fern for a bathroom.
The bird's nest fern grows in the crooks of rainforest trees, catching leaf litter in its central cup, which is why it looks the way it does: a rosette of broad, undivided fronds rather than the feathery fronds most ferns have. That shape makes it far more forgiving of dry air than a Boston fern.
Water it around the edge of the pot. Water poured into the centre rots the crown.
Light
Medium to low indirect light. A north or east window. The fronds get crinklier in more light and flatter in less. Direct sun scorches them.
Water
Lightly moist, never soggy. Water the soil around the edge when the top inch is dry, every five days in summer and every nine in winter. Never pour water into the rosette. Filtered water is best.
Soil and potting
A peat-based mix with perlite or orchid bark for air. It has a small root system; a modest pot suits it. Repot every couple of years.
Feeding
A quarter-strength feed every six weeks in spring and summer. Ferns burn on strong fertiliser.
Propagation
Spores only, which is slow and fiddly. Buy plants.
In a hot, dry home
Better than other ferns here because the broad fronds lose less water. A bathroom with a window is the ideal spot; elsewhere, group it with other plants and keep it away from vents. It shows dry air as brown, crispy frond edges.
Bird's Nest Fern varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Nidus (plain)
The standard bird's nest with smooth, wavy-edged fronds.
- Crispy Wave
Tightly ruffled, pleated fronds. Compact and slower.
- Victoria
Narrow, wavy fronds with a crimped edge.
- Leslie
Ruffled, forked frond tips. Compact.
- Hurricane
Fronds that spiral around the crown like a storm from above.
- Austral Gem
A hybrid with thick, leathery, divided fronds. The toughest Asplenium indoors.
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A different genus with reptile-skin fronds. Has its own profile.
Full profile
Problems and fixes
Brown, crispy frond edges
Likely cause: Dry air
Fix: Raise humidity; move to a bathroom or group with other plants.
Brown rot in the centre
Likely cause: Water poured into the rosette
Fix: Water the soil edge only. Remove rotted material and let the crown dry.
Pale, bleached fronds
Likely cause: Too much light
Fix: Move to a shadier spot.
Brown spots along the underside of fronds
Likely cause: Spores, normal on mature fronds
Fix: Nothing. It is how the fern reproduces.
Bird's Nest Fern questions
Is the bird's nest fern safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. It is non-toxic to pets.
How do I water a bird's nest fern?
Water the soil around the edge of the pot when the top inch is dry, and never into the central rosette, which rots.
What are the brown dots under my bird's nest fern fronds?
Spores. They appear in neat rows on the undersides of mature fronds and are completely normal.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Boston Fern
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every few days
- Pets
- Safe
