They prefer medium to bright indirect lightso ensure theres a window availableand moist, well drained soil.
Dont expose them to direct sunlight other than the very early morning sun.
Harsh direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Indoors, an east- or north-facing window is ideal.
Soil
These plants like loose soil rich inorganic matterwith excellent drainage.
A peat-based potting mix is good for container plants.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Water
These ferns prefer consistent soil moisture but dont do well sitting in soggy soil.
Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry.
Aim water at the soil to avoid wetting the fronds.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Temperature and Humidity
Birds nest ferns thrive in temperatures between 60 and 80F.
Indoors, protect your plant from air conditioning or heating vent drafts.
This fern prefers high humidity and moist environments, such as a bathroom, greenhouse, or terrarium.
it’s possible for you to also run a humidifier near the plant to create a more humid environment.
Apply fertilizer to the soil, not fronds, as direct contact with fertilizer can burn foliage.
Stop feeding in the fall, then resume again the following spring.
Fragile Fronds
New leaves will emerge from the central rosette of your bird’s nest fern.
Consider adjusting your watering schedule, or invest in a plant humidifier.
Pruning
Bird’s nest ferns don’t need regular pruning.
Pruning Tip
No pruners?
Fern propagation occurs via spores, which look like fuzzy brown spots on the undersides of fronds.
The best time to propagate a bird’s nest fern is when the spores look especially plump and fuzzy.
Here’s how to propagate bird’s nest fern via spores.
Your plant generally wont need repotting because its roots have run out of space.
Instead, these ferns need repotting once theyve grown so large theyre unstable and need a larger container.
This typically occurs every two to three years; spring is the best time to repot.
Select a container that’s large enough to keep your plant stable.
A ceramic container often works better than plastic to anchor the plant.
Is This the Right Plant for You?
Keep soil lightly moist, and do not allow plants to dry out completely.
If brown edges persist, try setting the pot on apebble trayor installing a small-space humidifier.
Pale Leaves
Too much sun can cause the foliage to turn yellow.
Check your plant throughout the day to ensure it’s not receiving direct sunlight.
Move the plant from the window or add a sheer curtain to filter the light.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leaves are likely because of overwatering.
Reduce watering and, if necessary, repot the plant into fresh, dry potting mix.
Browning Tips
Fronds naturally turn brown as they die and are replaced with fresh growth.
Browning along the edges of a frond is often due to drafts hitting the plant.
Move your fern away from air-conditioning vents and any drafty windows or doors.
Bright, direct sunlight burns the delicate leaves of this plant.
Bird’s nest ferns are generally low-maintenance and easy to keep alive with the proper care and conditions.
However, it needs a spot in partial shade and must be moved indoors when temperatures drop below 50F.
