Birds nest fern

Description

BIRD’S NEST FERN:

Asplenium nidus, the Birds nest fern is a fern native to Asia, Africa and Australia. The leaf of the fern grows upright and generally has a spread of 2-3 feet and can reach to a height of 4 feet, when matured.

It is a slow growing fern, and the new growth happens from the center part of the fern plant, representing a nest, hence the name. The new growth is generally delicate and fragile, leading to high chances of them getting damaged or deformed.

A consistent warm and humid environment is ideal for its growth.

 

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR FERNS:

SOIL:

• Provide a loose, a well-draining soil mixture, not much. Since they prefer organic content in the soil such as peat, coconut peat, keeping a balanced acidic soil (pH 6-6.5) is benefitting to the plant growth.
• Peat moss can be a great alternative for soil which will maintain a high humid condition.
• Avoid dry soil. More prolonged period of dry soil will turn the fronds yellow and your plant might even die. These are intolerant to dry soil.

LIGHT:

• These plant needs a bright indirect light so keep near a window where direct sunlight does not fall. Do not let direct sunlight touch the foliage, the leaves may become scorched.
• An ideal location will be where filtered sunlight or partial shade is available.

WATERING:

• They prefer moist soil (not wet). make sure the soil is Damp. To maintain the water content or moisture in the soil, use pebble tray OR keep a sprayer handy.
• Drooping of leaves is possible if the plant is underwatered or overwatered. Reduce watering during winters.

FERTILIZING:

• Ferns are not a fan of fertilizers. They hate the inorganic build-up on the topsoil.
• Fertilize during the growing season (April-September), preferably liquid fertilizer of half the strength. Avoid bringing the fertilizer in contact with the fronds.

REPOTTING:

• If you have the plant for a year or so and you observe the plant is growing slow, check for its nutrient requirements or the plants need a bigger pot.

 

HOW TO PROPAGATE YOUR FERNS:

The propagation is ferns is damn easy, when grown with rhizome division. By simply snipping some fronds with rhizomes and plant in new pot.

They can also be propagated using spores, which can be tricky for the beginners.

 

ORIGIN	Australia, Asia and Africa
COLOURS ON PLANT	Green
PLANT TYPE	Indoor/Outdoor (keep in partial shade), UPRIGHT GROWTH
SOIL	Loose, moist (not wet), well-draining mix, acidic/ high organic matter
LIGHT REQUIREMENT	Bright Indirect sunlight or partial shade
WATERING	2 times a week (increase watering in hot temperature)
FERTILIZERS	Once or twice a year
PROPAGATION	Rhizome division, spore propagation

 

KNOW YOUR FERNS:

There are some basic things which, y’all dear customers need to know. The so-called leaves are not leaves but FRONDS, the roots are called RHIZOMES, and FERNS DO NOT PRODUCE FLOWERS.

They prefer moisture and less of sun’s light. Ferns are sensitive plants and may die when fertilizers are provided to them in excess.

Quantity: A single, well-rooted plant

Size: overall plant diameter is around 10 to 20 cms