Plant Care Guides / Indoor / Moderate Care
The bird's nest fern grows in a rosette of broad, glossy, apple-green fronds that unfurl from a central nest-like crown, which is how it gets its name. It has a softer, more tropical look than the typical feathery fern, and it is easier to keep than most ferns too, as long as you give it the humidity it wants.
New fronds emerge from the tight centre of the rosette and are extremely fragile while unfurling. Avoid touching them, moving the plant roughly or getting water directly into the crown, which can cause the new growth to rot or distort.
Medium to bright, indirect light. It does well in a shadier spot than most houseplants, making it a good bathroom or bedroom choice. Avoid direct sun, which scorches and bleaches the fronds.
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water around the edge of the pot, not into the central crown. It loves humidity, and this is what separates it from the easy-care category. Dry air turns the frond edges brown and papery. A bathroom with natural light is ideal. Otherwise, mist it regularly, stand it on a tray of damp pebbles or group it with other plants.
Feed monthly through spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength. Avoid getting fertiliser on the fronds.
Repot every one to two years. Use a rich, moisture-retaining but free-draining mix, standard potting soil with added peat or coco coir and perlite works well. It does not have an aggressive root system, so a modest pot is fine.
Ask about availability. We keep a changing range of indoor plants. WhatsApp us to see what is in store, or pop in and we will help you choose.
