Native to tropical regions such as southeast Asia, Australia, east Africa and Hawaii to name a few, Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium Nidus) are typically found in palm trees. Given the right indoor environment, they will thrive and make for a wonderfully unique houseplant.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Asplenium nidus is an epiphytic species of fern in the family Aspleniaceae, native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii (ʻēkaha in Hawaiian), Polynesia, Christmas Island, India, and eastern Africa. It is known by the common names bird’s-nest fern (a name shared by some other aspleniums) or simply nest fern.
Linnaeus was the first to describe bird’s-nest fern with the binomial Asplenium nidus in his Species Plantarum of 1753.
Asplenium nidus forms large simple fronds visually similar to banana leaves, with the fronds growing to 50–150 centimetres (20–59 in) long and 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) broad, with occasional individuals up to 6.6 feet (two meters) in length by up to two feet (61 centimeters) width They are light green, often crinkled, with a black midrib, and exhibit circinate vernation. Spores develop in sori on the underside of the fronds. These sori form long rows extending out from the midrib on the back of the outer part of the lamina (frond). The fronds roll back as they brown and create a massive leaf nest in the branches and trunks of trees.
Asplenium nidus can survive either as an epiphyte or terrestrial plant, but typically grows on organic matter. This fern often lives in palm trees, where it collects water and humus in its leaf-rosette. It thrives in warm, humid areas in partial to full shade. It dislikes direct sunlight and likes to be in full shade on the north facing garden wall.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Bird’s nest ferns grow well in filtered sunlight to partial shade. Don’t expose them to direct sunlight other than the very early morning sun. Harsh direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Indoors, an east- or north-facing window is ideal.
Temperature and Humidity
Bird’s nest ferns thrive in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can tolerate temperatures down to 50 degrees, but anything colder can harm the plant, especially with prolonged exposure. Indoors, protect your plant from air conditioning or heating vent drafts.
This fern prefers high humidity and moist environments, such as a bathroom, greenhouse, or terrarium. You can also run a humidifier near the plant to create a more humid environment.
Watering
These ferns prefer consistent soil moisture, but they don’t do well sitting in soggy soil. Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid watering directly into the center of the plant, as this can encourage mold growth and rot in the dense nest. Aim water at the soil to avoid wetting the fronds.
Soil
These plants like soil that’s loose and rich in organic matter with excellent drainage. A peat-based potting mix is good for container plants.
Fertilizing
During the fern’s active growing season of spring through early fall, feed once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply fertilizer to soil not fronds, as direct contact with fertilizer can burn foliage. Stop feeding in the fall, then resume again the following spring.
Pruning
Bird’s nest ferns don’t need regular pruning. As outer leaves die off, cut them back at the base of the plant with sharp, sterilized scissors or pruners.
Propagation
Bird’s nest ferns can be tricky to propagate for beginner gardeners. Many people opt to purchase nursery plants instead, though propagating them yourself will save you some money. Propagation occurs via spores, which look like fuzzy brown spots on the undersides of fronds.
The best time to propagate a bird’s nest fern is when the spores look especially plump and fuzzy. Here’s how to propagate a bird’s nest fern via spores.
- Gather a small paper bag, a small dish, sphagnum moss, and plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag.
- To collect the spores, cut off a frond with fuzzy spores and place it in a paper bag for a few days. The spores will drop into the bag.
- Moisten a handful of sphagnum moss with water. Place it in a small dish of water to keep it moist but not waterlogged. Shake the spores from the bag onto the sphagnum moss.
- Cover the dish of moss with plastic wrap or fasten a clear plastic bag around it with a rubber band.
- Place the dish of moss in a warm, shaded spot. Keep the dish filled with water, and mist the moss if it doesn’t feel moist. Germination should occur in a few weeks.
Potting and Repotting
Bird’s nest ferns must be potted in a container with ample drainage holes. Your plant generally won’t need repotting because its roots have run out of space. Instead, these ferns need repotting once they’ve grown so large they’re unstable and need a larger container. This will typically occur every two to three years, and spring is the best time to repot.
Select a container that’s large enough to keep your plant stable. A ceramic container often works better than plastic to anchor the plant. Carefully loosen your plant from its previous pot, set it in the new pot at the same depth as before, and fill around the root ball with fresh potting mix.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
No serious disease or pest problems affect bird’s nest ferns, though they can be affected by some insects common to houseplants such as scale. Natural insecticidal soaps are the best solution to combat pest issues because chemical pesticides will damage this plant’s fragile leaves.
Common Problems
Bird’s nest ferns are generally healthy plants, but they can experience issues that often have to do with an improper environment.
- Curling Leaves
Insufficient moisture causes bird’s nest fern’s leaves to curl and leaf edges to turn brown. Keep soil lightly moist and do not allow plants to dry out completely. If brown edges persist, try setting the pot on a pebble tray or install a small space humidifier.
- Pale Leaves
Too much sun can cause the foliage to turn yellow. Check your plant throughout the day to make sure it’s not receiving direct sunlight. Move the plant further from the window or add a sheer curtain to filter the light.
- Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leaves are likely caused by overwatering. Cut back on watering and, if necessary, repot the plant into a fresh dry potting mix.
- Browning Tips
Fronds naturally turn brown as they die and are replaced with fresh growth. But browning along the edges of a frond is often due to drafts hitting the plant. Move your fern away from air-conditioning vents and any drafty windows or doors.
III. Uses and Benefits
With a minimum temperature of 10 °C (50 °F), Asplenium nidus is widely cultivated in temperate regions as a houseplant. However, many plants sold in America as A. nidus are actually Asplenium australasicum, which has longer sori, and a differently shaped midrib. Asplenium nidus has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Asplenium nidus has been used locally in folk medicine for asthma, sores, weakness, and halitosis.
The sprouts of A. nidus are eaten in Taiwan, known as 山蘇, pronounced shansu. (山 meaning “mountain”, as in mountain vegetables). They may be stir-fried or boiled and are a traditional aboriginal vegetable, now popular enough to appear even on the menus of chain restaurants.
The young fronds are eaten in the Polynesian islands, known as Luku in Niue, Laukatafa in Tuvalu and Laumea in Tokelau where it is often cooked together and eaten with coconut cream. The large fronds are also used in the wrapping and cooking of food.
Find Where to Buy the Best Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
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