Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
The wavy whimsy of the Asplenium nidus foliage and its low maintenance care profile make this plant a great choice for any plant parent. Perfect for a high humidity area of your home, these plants will thrive in a kitchen or bathroom.
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Characteristics
This bright green undivided fern can flourish as an epiphytic or terrestrial plant, which means it thrives on ambient as well as soil based nutrients and moisture. Unlike the lacey texture of other ferns, the Bird's Nest Fern has solid foliage. The leaves grow in a rosette shape and have a wavy texture.
Origin & Native Environment
Native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii, Polynesia, Christmas Island, India, and eastern Africa. As an epiphyte, they can usually be found growing on the surface of other plants below the forest canopy. While life may seem rough high up in the forest canopy, bird's nest ferns do just fine. These clever plants absorb water from their humid environment and take in nutrients through their leaves.
Naming
Asplenium nidus, a fern in the family Aspleniaceae, is commonly known as Bird's Nest Fern, or simply nest fern.
Care Instructions
Water
Keep evenly moist, not waterlogged. Water the soil around the outside perimeter of the plant, as excess moisture at the center of the nest can stagnate and encourage mold growth and rot.
Light
Indirect sunlight to low light. The Aspleniun nidus can thrive in almost any light conditions with the exception of bright light, as its leaves will burn.
Soil
Use well draining potting soil with good drainage and high peat content. Because the Asplenium nidus prefers acidic soil with a pH between 5.0-5.5, adding peat moss or using soil blends for orchids or bromeliads can work well.
Humidity
The Asplenium nidus loves high humidity and will thrive in a kitchen or bathroom. They can tolerate average household humidity levels.
Temperature
Does well in any typical household conditions but prefers temperatures between 55º and 75º F.
Fertilizer
Fertilize once a month in spring and summer. Use a balanced all purpose fertilizer diluted to half strength.