Bird's nest fern care guide

The bird’s nest fern does not look like a typical fern. It grows wide, glossy, wavy fronds from a fuzzy center, like a nest. It is the easiest fern for most homes, because it handles drier air and less fuss than its lacy cousins.

Light

Give it medium light or bright, indirect light, such as a spot near a north or east window. It handles lower light, but grows slow.

Direct sun yellows and scorches the fronds.

Water

Water when the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry. Water until it drains, then empty the saucer.

Pour water on the soil around the edge, not into the center. Water sitting in the fuzzy center, or rosette, can rot it.

Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Soil and potting

In the wild, it grows on trees. Use a chunky mix of potting soil and orchid bark so the roots get air.

It likes a snug pot. Repot every two to three years in spring. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

It likes humid air but handles average room air better than most ferns. Dry winter air browns the frond edges. A humidifier or a bright bathroom helps.

Keep it between 16 and 27°C (60 and 80°F), away from heat vents and cold drafts.

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength. Too much fertilizer burns the fronds.

Pruning

Cut old, brown, or damaged fronds off at the base. Do not touch the fuzzy center. New fronds unroll from there, and they bruise at a touch.

Propagation

Bird’s nest ferns grow from spores, the brown lines on the undersides of older fronds. Spores are slow and tricky at home. Most people buy a new plant.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Brown, crispy frond edges	Dry air or dry soil
Soft, brown center	Rot from water in the center or soggy soil
Yellow fronds	Too much sun, too much water, or old fronds
Brown lines under the fronds	Normal. These are spores.
Damaged new fronds	Touched or bumped while unrolling

Pests

Scale and mealybugs can hide on the undersides of the fronds. Do not mistake the even rows of spores for pests. Avoid oil sprays, which damage fern fronds.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists bird’s nest fern as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Varieties

• Plain bird’s nest fern has long, smooth, wavy fronds.
• ‘Crispy Wave’ has stiff, rippled fronds and handles drier air.
• ‘Osaka’ has narrow, wavy fronds on a compact plant.
• ‘Victoria’ has frilly, crinkled edges.