bird's nest fern
About bird's nest fern
bird's nest fern is a super rare houseplant 🌿 that needs lots of water to thrive. They do best in abundant sunlight ☀ and should be less than 3 feet from a window.
bird's nest fern likes soil that is good at retaining moisture. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.
Taxonomy
Asplenium australasicum
Asplenium
Aspleniaceae
Polypodiales
Also known as
bird's nest fern and crow's nest fern
How to care for bird's nest fern
Water
How often to water your bird's nest fern
every 7
bird's nest fern needs 0.5 cups of water every 7 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
7
Light
Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
Select a city to check sunlight intensity
Finding light for bird's nest fern in your home
a window
bird's nest fern may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of bird's nest fern in your home 🏡.
Nutrients
How to fertilize bird's nest fern
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your bird's nest fern after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
FAQs
bird's nest fern is sensitive to dry soil and should be watered frequently. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
bird's nest fern may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Soil
bird's nest fern is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.
Fertilizer
bird's nest fern grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Care Summary for bird's nest fern
bird's nest fern
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 7 days
Placement
< 3ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
