Asplenium nidus

Asplenium nidus

Bird's Nest Fern

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Bird's Nest Fern

Context

nativeRegion

Tropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

usdaZones

10–11 (outdoors); commonly grown as a houseplant elsewhere.

companionPlants

Orchids, Philodendron, Calathea, Bromeliads

culturalUses

Ornamental foliage plant; used in traditional medicine in some cultures and as feng shui plant in homes.

Care

LightPrefers bright, indirect light; tolerates lower light but avoid direct sun which can scorch fronds.

WateringKeep soil consistently moist but not soggy; water when the top inch feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water.

SoilUse a well-draining, loose potting mix rich in organic matter, such as a peat-based or orchid mix.

FertilizerFeed monthly with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer during growth (spring and summer). Reduce or withhold feeding in fall and winter.

HumidityThrives in high humidity (over 50%); mist fronds regularly or use a humidity tray.

TemperatureBest in warm temperatures between 18–27°C (65–80°F). Sensitive to cold; avoid exposure below 13°C (55°F).

HabitEpiphytic or terrestrial fern forming a rosette of large, wavy fronds.

Mature SizeTypically reaches 60–120 cm (2–4 feet) tall and wide.

Growth RateModerate growth rate under ideal conditions.

BloomingNon-flowering; reproduces via spores.

DormancyNo true dormancy, but growth slows in low-light or cool conditions.

MethodsSpores, Division (difficult, rarely successful)

DifficultyMedium—from spores is slow and requires sterile conditions, division is rarely practiced.

Best SeasonSpring to early summer.

PruningRemove old or damaged fronds at the base as needed; avoid damaging the central ‘nest’.

RepottingRepot every 2–3 years or when root-bound; handle roots and rhizome gently.

Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to scale, mealybug, and fungal/bacterial leaf spots if overwatered or stressed.

ToxicityNon-toxic to humans and pets.

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