Botanical Specifications
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Bird's Nest 'Nidus' Fern
Indoor Plants
About This Botanical
Botanical name: Asplenium nidus (bird's nest fern)
Large, light green, often crinkled fronds grow from a central rosette, which gives the plant its name. It is native to tropical Asia and eastern Africa and does best in rainforest-like conditions: bright, indirect light and high humidity. Leaves can reach about 5 ft when the plant is well cared for.
How to care for a bird's nest fern
- Light: bright, indirect light, such as an east- or north-facing window. Keep it away from heat vents and fireplaces.
- Water: water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water around the edge of the pot and keep water off the center crown, because water can pool there and cause rot. Do not stand the pot in a saucer of water.
- Humidity: a humidifier nearby in winter, or a pot on a tray of pebbles with water kept below the pot base.
- Feeding: monthly during the growing season, with a houseplant fertilizer at half the label rate.
- Hardiness: hardy outdoors in zones 11 to 12 only.
Frequently asked questions
How do I care for a bird's nest fern? Give it bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Keep the crown dry and raise humidity in winter.What is a bird's nest fern? A tropical fern (Asplenium nidus) with broad, crinkled, light green fronds that grow from a central rosette, native to tropical Asia and eastern Africa.
How does bird's nest fern reproduce? Indoors, it is usually grown from spores or divided from the parent plant. Spores take patience and a humid setup, so most people buy a plant rather than growing from spores.
Is bird's nest fern pet-safe? We have not verified this plant on the ASPCA list, so we do not make a pet claim. Check the ASPCA database before you decide.
Source for care guidance: Clemson Extension HGIC, How to Grow and Care for Bird's Nest Fern.
Shipped alive in a 4" nursery pot. See our Live Arrival Guarantee.
⚡ Quick Facts
At a Glance- • Light: Bright indirect light
- • Water: When the top 1–2 inches of mix are dry
- • Mature size: 4" nursery grow pot; compact tabletop foliage.
- • Pet safety: Check this plant’s species-specific pet-safety guidance before placing it around pets. Verify with our Pet-Safe Checker.
- • Beginner-friendly: Care difficulty varies by plant. Follow the light, watering, and drainage guidance on this page.
Evidence-Based Indoor Botanical Care
Read in-depth cultivation protocols written by Nick Alan and Jenna Lee covering aroid soil physics, moss pole climbing dynamics, root rot remediation, and seasonal light acclimation.
Planters that fit this plant
Matched to the pot size of Bird's Nest 'Nidus' Fern. Planters ship separately from live plants.
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