Plant guide

Bird's nest fern.

Asplenium nidus

Pronounced as-PLEE-nee-um NY-dus

Also known as Hawai'I Birdnest Fern, bird's-nest fern, nest fern

The bird's nest fern is a beautiful epiphyte that naturally grows in the crooks of trees. It features bright green fronds that grow in a circular rosette pattern. This plant loves a humid environment and adds a lush tropical feel to any room.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Fern
Light: Filtered light or partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 2 to 4 feet
Growth rate: Slow

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Mist the fronds regularly or place it in a humid spot like a bathroom to keep the leaves happy. Watch for brown tips which often signal that the air is too dry.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim away any yellowing or damaged fronds at the base to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its container as they prefer being slightly root bound.
Soil: Well draining peat based mix
Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.0

Safety

Pets: This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

How to identify it

Bright green wavy fronds
Rosette growth pattern
Central crown resembling a nest
Dark midrib on leaves

Science

Family: Aspleniaceae
Genus: Asplenium
Order: Polypodiales
Class: Polypodiopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants for shade

Is your bird's nest fern looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.