Care Sheet - Asplenium “Bird’s Nest Fern”
Asplenium nidus - “Bird’s Nest Fern”
Light: Like all ferns, asplenium will crisp up in too much direct sunlight. Avoid southern / western direct exposure. Unlike most ferns, this species does require bright light. Often a dim, ambient, shade-like environment typical for most ferns will not be sufficient for this species. These must be in a brightly lit area, a feet away from direct light exposure, or directly in a northern/eastern window.
Water: All ferns require constantly moist soil, though it’s unnecessary to keep them overly saturated. Aim for moist, not muddy. Once the top half inch is dry, you should water it. Since ferns are a more “primitive” type of plant, they also absorb significant moisture through their leaves, and to avoid them drying out in the home, it’s beneficial to mist them daily. Asplenium in many situations can tolerate briefly drier soil.
Environment: All ferns prefer high humidity. To avoid crisping / browning of the fronds (primitive leaves) mist regularly and avoid close proximity to air vents / drafty windows. They prefer warmer home environments, but this typically coincides with dryness. Place by a window in the humid summer months, but avoid this during cooler months.
Toxicity: True ferns are reported to be non-toxic.
Of note:
- Most varieties of true ferns were alive with the dinosaurs! Ferns tend to thrive in closed terrariums, as this ensures an ideal humidity level.
*When planting in a pot without a drainage hole, avoid over watering by estimating 25% of the container’s overall volume, with appropriate drainage materials incorporated when planting.