If youre looking for a funky-looking houseplant, the birds nest fern is for you.
Paris Lalicata is the plant expert with The Sill.
What Is a Bird’s Nest Fern?
Photo:OlgaMiltsova/Getty Images
), youre in luckthe birds nest fern is not considered poisonous to cats or dogs.
Light
This plant does best withsomesunshine.
She adds, If natural lighting isnt an option, consider a grow light!
Soil and Container
Any standard indoor potting mix that is well-draining works fine, Lalicata says.
However, if youre okay with maintaining a more frequent watering schedule, then youre good!
Water
According to Lalicata, there isnta clear-cut amount you should water your plant.
Once about half the soil has dried out, the plant will be ready for more water.
you could allow the soil to dry out a bit longer if its sitting in low light.
Lalicata strongly cautions against watering directly into the center of your fern where new growth emerges.
She recommends wateringarounditotherwise, crown rot will occur.
Because the plant has a waxy cuticle on its foliage, it retains moisture quite well.
Its a tropical plant, after all!
Invest in a humidifier or a mister if you live in an especially dry climate.
you could stop giving them fertilizer in the autumn and then resume again in the spring.
You’ll only need to trim them occasionally, namely when the outer leaves turn brown and die off.
Using sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors is crucial when doing your bird’s nest pruning.
Trimming the brown edges won’t hurt your fern, but it will keep it looking its best.
Typically, bird’s nest ferns don’t require repotting due to root space issues.
Instead, they usually need repotting because they’ve grown significantly and need a larger container.
Repotting due to size is typically necessary every two or three years.
Surround the root ball with fresh potting soil, gently firming it in.
Common Problems
Birds nest ferns are generally easygoing, but they do have some difficulties.
Lalicata says they can be impacted bycommon houseplant pestslike mealybugs and scale.
Also, bird’s nest ferns are prone to leaf spot diseases.
They’re easy to care for (with the proper conditions and attention).
This is the ideal condition for your plant’s outdoor stay.
Remember, bird’s nest ferns enjoy partial shade, so avoid putting them in direct sunlight.
Birds nest ferns areincrediblychallenging to propagate unless youre a legit plant pro.
It cannot be reproduced by stem or leaf cuttings.
