Light Requirements
Low to Medium Light. Keep the Bird’s Nest Fern out of direct sunlight as the leaves can become sunburned, and the fronds will die. If placing the Bird’s Nest Fern in front of a south-facing window, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Don’t know what kind of light you have? Click here.
Water Requirements
Moist but not soggy soil. Ferns prefer soil that is consistently moist but not wet. The Bird’s Nest Fern will tolerate soil that dries out from time to time. Do not water into the crown, or the “nest”, of the fern. Doing so can cause rot and mold to accumulate.
Humidity
Normal to High. The Bird’s Nest Fern is not as strict as other ferns when it comes to humidity requirements. This makes the Bird’s Nest Fern better for beginner plant parents.
Potting & Repotting
Bird’s Nest Ferns will only need to be repotted once every two years. The Bird’s Nest Fern prefers to be slightly pot-bound. When repotting, increase one pot size.
Fertilizing
The Bird’s Nest Fern does not require a lot of fertilization as they are a slow growing plant. If you choose to fertilize, feed the plant once a month through the growing season (April – September). Use half-strength liquid fertilizer and apply to the soil. Do not put fertilizer on the plant leaves as that can cause the plant leaves to burn. Withhold from fertilizing during the winter.
Additional Care
Place the Bird’s Nest Fern in a place where people or pets will not brush up
How do I know what kind of light I have?
Low Light
A room with low light should be bright enough in which you can comfortably read a book. If the room is too dark to read a book, we do not recommend placing a plant in this area. Low light areas include rooms with a north-facing window, foyers, small bathrooms, office spaces, and rooms where there is not enough sunlight but is plenty of fluorescent light throughout the day.
Medium Light
A room with east or west facing windows that receives indirect or filtered sunlight throughout the day. This room might receive direct sun in the mornings or afternoons. A plant that requires medium light can flourish 5-10 feet away from a south-facing window, making sure direct sunlight does not hit the plant.
Bright Light
A room with south or south-west facing windows that receives direct sunlight for a large portion of the day. Direct sun in a bright light room can burn the leaves of your plants. It is best to place a sheer curtain over the window to diffuse the light or keep the plants a few feet away from the window.