Are you looking for the perfect houseplant to add a touch of green to your home? The birds nest fern is the perfect choice! Not only is it low maintenance, but it is also full of character due to its unique self-sufficient features. Learn all the tips and tricks you need to know to keep your birds nest fern in top condition!
Caring for a Birds Nest Fern
If you have a birds nest fern in your home, it’s important to know how to care for it properly. Although the birds nest fern is an easy-to-care-for plant and requires minimal pruning, there may come a time when its lower leaves become old and scraggly. In this case, you can use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut the brown tips off at the base of the plant.
However, if the tips of your birds nest fern are turning brown, this could be an indication of underwatering. The Bird’s Nest Fern prefers consistently moist soil that is not soaked. To avoid the issue of brown leaf edges, it’s important to water your fern regularly using a watering can with a narrow spout and focusing on the soil’s outer edges.
Caring for a Bird’s Nest Fern
In addition to watering the Bird’s Nest Fern regularly, it is also important to provide the plant with adequate humidity and fertilization. To give your fern plenty of humidity, mist its fronds with a water bottle every couple of days. A layer of mulch on the soil surface can help retain moisture in between waterings as well. Additionally, feed your fern a water-soluble fertilizer every other week during the growing season. Finally, it is recommended that you repot your bird’s nest fern every couple years in a larger pot with fresh soil for optimum growth and health.

The bird’s nest fern also has an interesting way of obtaining water and nutrients. The roots of the plant form a mass at the base of the central stem that collects dead leaves, which it then consolidates into a large mass. This mass is able to soak up rainwater while the decaying leaves release vitamins and minerals essential for growth. Despite growing high up from the ground, this fern is still able to be self-sufficient in food and water with its unique adaptation.
Growing a Bird’s Nest Fern in Your Bathroom
Do birds nest ferns like bathrooms? The answer is yes! The Birds Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) thrives in warm, humid environments, making it the perfect plant for a bathroom. Additionally, the amount of light you provide to your bird’s nest fern can affect its appearance; if you have a light-filled bathroom, the leaves will be crinkled while they will be flatter if there is less light. To ensure that your birds nest fern stays healthy and vibrant in its environment, there are certain care requirements it must receive.
The good news is, it’s not hard to care for a birds nest fern. As long as you give it the right conditions, you’ll be able to successfully grow and maintain your bird’s nest fern. If you are looking for a plant that can help move your gardening skills from beginner to intermediate level, then this is the perfect choice for you.
When it comes to light requirements, the Bird’s Nest Fern is low to medium. While it does need some sunlight, you must be careful not to expose it too much. The leaves of the Bird’s Nest Fern can become sunburned and die if they are not kept out of direct sunlight. If your fern is placed in front of a south-facing window, then you should use a sheer curtain or other type of filter to block any direct rays that may come through.
In terms of feeding, Australian native plants like the Bird’s Nest Fern can be given a feed each spring and autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter® Soil Improver and Plant Fertiliser. This will gently release organic nutrients to promote healthy fern growth.
Bird’s Nest Fern houseplants do not require as much fertilizer as most houseplants due to their slow growth rate. When a balanced (20-20-20) liquidfertilizer is reduced to half strength and applied monthly to the soil surrounding the plants, they perform best.
Finding the Right Lighting for Your Bird’s Nest Fern
Where is the best place to put a fern in your house? The ideal spot for a Bird’s Nest Fern is away from direct sunlight, preferably in an area with indirect or filtered light. North or east-facing windows provide the right amount of light for ferns, as they will not be exposed to too much sun. It is possible for fern fronds to become burned in direct sunlight, resulting in a dry, crispy plant. You can also experiment with different lighting conditions and adjust accordingly based on the appearance of your plant. If you find that your bird’s nest fern needs more light than what you are providing it, try moving it closer to a window and keeping it out of direct sunlight during peak midday hours when UV rays are strongest. Additionally, you may need to supplement natural lighting with artificial grow lights if there isn’t enough natural light available where you live. Grow lights can help boost photosynthesis and promote healthy growth and development within your bird’s nest fern even during winter months when days are shorter and darker outside.
Treating Scale Infestations in Bird’s Nest Ferns

Another issue you may encounter when caring for a Bird’s Nest Fern is an infestation of scales. Scales are small insects that can cause damage to the leaves and stems of your fern, resulting in yellowing or brown patches. Fortunately, there is an effective way to get rid of them – neem oil for houseplants. Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be applied directly onto the plant and its affected areas. It works by killing off existing scales and preventing new ones from forming. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully when using neem oil as it can be toxic if overused or used incorrectly.
In addition to neem oil, it is also recommended that you remove scale with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol or soapy water for lighter infestations. Some plants may be sensitive, so it is best to test a small area first. If necessary, check plants every few days and repeat treatment until the scales are gone.

The most common scale affecting ferns is the fern scale. It is a small, brown insect that attacks Asparagus, Bird’s Nest and Nephrolepis species of ferns. The female scales are brown while the males are white. If you notice any of these signs on your plant, it is important to take action right away in order to prevent further damage.
How do I know if my plants have scales? As mentioned, scale insects cluster together, so keep an eye out for shell-like bumps on the stems or leaves of your plant. A sticky substance on the plant is a common sign of a scale problem. A substance called honeydew is secreted by scale insects as they suck moisture from your plant.
Protecting Bird’s Nest Ferns from Predators
When caring for a Bird’s Nest Fern, it is important to know that placing food near the nest can actually be detrimental. There is evidence that placing food out for birds during the breeding season makes it five times more likely that predators such as grey squirrels will raid nests near the feeders. To protect your fern from wildlife, it is best to avoid putting out any food and keep your plant away from open windows or other entry points where predators may enter.
Conclusion

The Bird’s Nest Fern is an attractive and low-maintenance houseplant that can be found in bathrooms and other humid environments. This plant needs light and humidity to thrive and should be watered regularly. It is also important to feed the fern with a water-soluble fertilizer every other week during the growing season and prune off the lower leaves when necessary. To ensure the health of this plant, it is important to keep an eye out for pests and predators such as grey squirrels, scale insects, and fern scale. With the right care, the Bird’s Nest Fern will continue to brighten up any room.