Bird's Nest Fern 'Leslie'

Asplenium nidus

$32.49

Dispatches in 1 to 4 business days.

  • LightMedium
  • WaterKeep the soil lightly moist but never soggy

Understand the light, watering and pot-size symbols

Care at a glance (click to expand or collapse)
LightMedium to bright indirect light
WaterKeep the soil lightly moist but never soggy
HumidityAppreciates extra humidity, especially in winter
Fern care guideCare notes by Nick Alan

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About this plant

A bold, ruffled fern that is easier than it looks. Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) grows from a central rosette of glossy, wavy, apple-green fronds instead of the fine, feathery foliage that crisps up at the first dry day. The 'Leslie' form has extra-crinkled edges, which gives it a sculptural, almost leafy-lettuce look. Read on for bird's nest fern care in an ordinary home.

Why you'll like it

It is one of the most forgiving ferns for a home. It copes with ordinary room humidity better than most ferns, it likes the bright, filtered light of a bathroom or kitchen, and it stays compact on a shelf or table.

What you get

A live bird's nest fern 'Leslie' in a 4" grower's nursery pot.

. Keep it away from cold drafts and heater vents, and add humidity if the frond tips dry out.

Do bird's nest ferns like sun or shade?
Neither extreme. They do best in medium to bright indirect light. Direct sun scorches the fronds, and very dim light slows growth.

Should I cut the brown tips off my bird's nest fern?
You can trim brown tips with clean scissors, cutting only the dead part. Then fix the cause: dry air, soil that dried out too far, or direct sun.

Where do I water a bird's nest fern?
Water around the edge of the pot, not into the center of the rosette. Water that collects in the center can cause the crown to rot.

Is a bird's nest fern good for a bathroom?
Yes, as long as the bathroom has some natural light. The extra humidity suits it, and it does well in bright, indirect light.

Care notes by Nick Alan, founder of Palma.

Where to put this plant

Needs: Medium light

Find the window you have. Each one gives a different kind of light.

  • East-facing windowGentle morning sun, then bright shade.
    Best spot
  • South-facing windowBrightest, with sun most of the day.
    3 to 5 ft back
  • West-facing windowStrong, hot afternoon sun.
    3 to 5 ft back
  • North-facing windowSoft, steady light with no direct sun.
    At the glass

Distance changes it too

  • At the glassStrongest
  • 3 to 5 ft backAbout half
  • Across the roomDim

Find the right window with the light calculator

Compare north, east, south and west window light

Grows well alongside

Ferns

Care guides from the Journal

All articles

Questions people ask

How often should I water Bird's Nest Fern 'Leslie'?

Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Check the soil with a finger rather than watering on a set day.

How much light does Bird's Nest Fern 'Leslie' need?

Medium to bright indirect light. The care card above lists water, size and pot fit.