How to care for Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus · Aspleniaceae
A rainforest epiphyte whose broad, glossy, wavy-edged fronds unfurl from a central rosette that resembles a bird's nest. Unlike feathery ferns, its leathery leaves shrug off average indoor air, making it one of the easiest true ferns to keep. New fronds rise delicately from the fuzzy center, so hands off the nest. Water roughly every 5 days while it's growing (about every 9 in winter), give it a bright room away from the window, kept above 55°F (13°C) — average room humidity suits it.
Care at a glance
Water around the edge of the rosette when the top few centimeters dry — never pour water into the central 'nest', which rots the growing point.
Medium to bright indirect light — an east or north window is perfect; direct sun bleaches and crinkles the fronds.
Quarter-strength balanced liquid feed every six weeks or so in the growing season — its epiphytic roots burn easily.
Mistakes that kill this plant
- Watering into the central nest until the crown rots.
- Placing it in hot direct sun, which yellows and scorches the fronds.
- Cold drafts and temperatures much below 13 C, which stall and damage growth.
Seasonal tips
- Boost humidity in winter to keep the wavy edges from browning.
- Don't touch or wet the emerging fronds in the center — they bruise and deform easily.
- Wipe mature fronds occasionally; the glossy surface collects dust.
Is it safe for pets?
We couldn’t place Bird's Nest Fern on a toxic or a non-toxic list, so its toxicity is unconfirmed — which is not the same as safe.
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Toxicity here is informational, not a safety guarantee. Those are our own records, compiled by following the ASPCA's published toxic and non-toxic plant lists and Pet Poison Helpline's plant poison list rather than copied from them — confirm anything that matters against those lists or with your vet. If your pet ingested this plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.