How to Fertilize Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium nidus

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Quick Answer

Feed your Bird's Nest Fern with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to quarter strength once a month during spring and summer. This fern is very sensitive to fertilizer salts, so less is always safer than more. Stop feeding in fall and winter.

When Should I Start Feeding My Bird's Nest Fern?

Begin feeding your Bird's Nest Fern when fresh new fronds start unfurling from the center rosette in spring, typically once indoor light levels increase and temperatures warm.

Pacific Mar–Sep

Mountain May–Aug

Midwest Apr–Sep

Northeast May–Sep

Southeast Mar–Oct

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How Often Should I Fertilize My Bird's Nest Fern?

Once a month during spring and summer is plenty for Bird's Nest Fern. This is a slow-growing plant that does not need frequent feeding. Pushing it with more fertilizer will not speed growth, it will just cause brown frond tips.

Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in early fall, then stop completely for winter. Even though this fern stays green year-round, its growth slows dramatically in low light and it cannot process extra nutrients.

If you see brown tips on new fronds or a white crust on the soil, you have been feeding too heavily. Flush the pot with plain water and skip the next two feedings.

Feeding Calendar

Spring & Summer

Quarter-strength balanced liquid once a month

Early Fall

Quarter-strength every 6-8 weeks, tapering off

Late Fall & Winter

No feeding

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Bird's Nest Fern?

A balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to one-quarter strength is the safest choice for Bird's Nest Fern. Ferns are notoriously sensitive to salt buildup, and full-strength applications can scorch the fronds and damage the shallow root system.

Liquid is strongly preferred over granular or slow-release formulas. Granules can sit against the rosette center and cause rot, and slow-release pellets make it impossible to control how much the plant receives at any one time.

Avoid any fertilizer with urea as the nitrogen source, as ferns process urea poorly and it can cause tip burn. Look for formulas that list ammoniacal or nitrate nitrogen instead.

Synthetic

Jack's Classic All Purpose 20-20-20

Balanced water-soluble formula. Use at one-quarter of the label rate (about 1/8 teaspoon per gallon) for Bird's Nest Fern.

Schultz All Purpose 10-15-10

Easy-to-dose liquid drops. Use 2-3 drops per quart of water instead of the recommended 7 for this salt-sensitive fern.

Organic

Espoma Indoor! Liquid Plant Food 2-2-2

Very gentle organic liquid that is nearly impossible to overapply. A great choice for sensitive ferns.

Worm castings

The safest option for ferns. Sprinkle a thin layer on the soil surface (away from the rosette center) every few months.

How Do I Fertilize My Bird's Nest Fern?

Water your fern first

Thoroughly moisten the soil before applying any fertilizer. Bird's Nest Fern roots are shallow and delicate, and fertilizer on dry soil will burn them quickly.

Dilute to quarter strength

Mix your balanced liquid fertilizer at one-quarter of the label's recommended dose. For most products, this is about 1/8 teaspoon per gallon. When in doubt, go weaker.

Pour around the outer edge

Apply the solution to the soil around the outside of the rosette, never into the center cup. Fertilizer pooling in the crown can cause rot and damage new fronds as they emerge.

Let it drain completely

Allow all excess liquid to flow through the drainage holes. Empty the saucer promptly. Standing in fertilizer water concentrates salts right where the roots sit.

Flush with plain water monthly

Alternate fertilizer feedings with a plain-water flush to rinse accumulated salts from the soil. This is especially important for salt-sensitive ferns.

Got More Questions?

Can I use coffee grounds on my Bird's Nest Fern?

Small amounts of composted coffee grounds are fine since ferns prefer slightly acidic soil. Avoid adding fresh grounds directly, as they can compact and retain too much moisture around the shallow roots.

What happens if I over-fertilize my Bird's Nest Fern?

Ferns show fertilizer burn quickly. You will see brown, crispy tips on fronds, especially new ones still unfurling. In bad cases, entire fronds turn brown and dry out. Flush the soil immediately with several rounds of plain water.

Why are the tips of my fern fronds turning brown?

Brown tips are most commonly caused by either overfertilizing or low humidity. Check for white salt crust on the soil. If you see it, flush the soil and cut back on feeding. If the soil looks clean, try raising humidity instead.

Should I use a fern-specific fertilizer?

You do not need a specialty fern fertilizer. Any balanced liquid formula diluted to quarter strength works well. The key is the dilution, not the brand.

Can I fertilize while new fronds are unfurling?

Yes, but apply the solution to the soil only, never let it touch the emerging fronds. New growth is very tender and will burn on contact with fertilizer solution.

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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist

About the Author

Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.

See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.

Editorial Process

Fertilizer recommendations verified against Asplenium nidus growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

14,459+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 10a–12b

Citations:
NC State Extension
Missouri Botanical Garden
Royal Horticultural Society
USDA Plants Database

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