Why are the edges of my fern turning brown?

This is usually a sign of low humidity or underwatering.

Should I mist my bird's nest fern?

Misting helps, but a pebble tray or humidifier is more effective for long term health.

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
Hardiness: USDA 11 to 12

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
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: This plant is generally considered non toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion of soil or plant debris.
Contact allergens: The spores produced on the underside of leaves may cause mild irritation to sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Spore release can trigger respiratory distress in those with severe fern allergies.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for consumption.

How to identify it

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

Height: 0.5 to 1.5m
Spread: 0.5 to 1.5m
Leaves: bright green, medium green, evergreen
Flowers: 0cm

Problems to watch for

Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
Leaf SpotCommon
Scale InsectsCommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Root RotUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your bird's nest fern from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: spores, division
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant in a warm, draft free location away from heating vents. Reduce watering slightly but never allow the potting medium to dry out completely.
In containers: It grows well in pots, provided the container has excellent drainage and a loose, organic potting mix.

Spores

Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
Gently tease apart the root ball into smaller sections.
Repot each section into fresh, well draining soil.
Water thoroughly and keep in a humid environment.

Group this fern with other moisture loving plants to create a microclimate that boosts ambient humidity.

Grows well with

Peace Lily · They share similar requirements for shade and high humidity.
Pothos · These plants thrive in the same low light conditions.

Similar species

Staghorn Fern · Both are epiphytic ferns with unique leaf shapes.

Science

Family: Aspleniaceae
Genus: Asplenium
Order: Polypodiales
Class: Polypodiopsida
Native range: Tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Conservation: This species is common in the wild but should not be collected from native habitats.

It grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks or rocks in humid, shaded tropical forests.

Value to wildlife: provides shelter for small insects
Uses: houseplant, indoor decor, tropical garden accent

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the edges of my fern turning brown?: This is usually a sign of low humidity or underwatering.
Should I mist my bird's nest fern?: Misting helps, but a pebble tray or humidifier is more effective for long term health.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Asplenium comes from the Greek word for spleen, as it was once used to treat spleen ailments. The species name nidus is Latin for nest, referring to the plant's growth habit.

Good to know

It is an epiphyte that grows on trees in its native environment.
The fronds are shaped like a bird's nest, which gives it its common name.
It does not produce flowers or seeds, but reproduces via spores.

Also in

Plants for shade

Keep your bird's nest fern growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.