The nest fern is quite undemanding and easy to care for and is therefore an almost perfect houseplant even for those who don't like caring for it. There are still a few things you should keep in mind if you want to enjoy your Asplenium nidus with its long leaves for a long time.
How do you properly care for a nest fern?
For optimal nest fern care, you should water it regularly with low-lime water, fertilize it approximately every month and place it in a semi-shady to shady location. The substrate should always be kept evenly moist.
Planting the nest fern
The nest fern actually grows as a perennial plant on the trees of the rainforest and not in the ground. Accordingly, he prefers a special substrate or a mixture of compost and leaf mold.
Water and fertilize the nest fern
The nest fern likes to have an evenly moist substrate. Don't let it get too dry before watering. Hard water is not suitable. If possible, water your nest fern with rainwater, otherwise let the tap water sit for a few days.
The nest fern does not need a particularly large number of nutrients. Therefore, it is enough to fertilize it about once a month. Add a little liquid fertilizer for lime-sensitive plants (€6.00 on Amazon) to the irrigation water. If your nest fern gets brown leaves, fertilize it a little more often and at the same time increase the humidity by spraying the fern.
The nest fern in winter
Since the nest fern does not know seasons such as summer and winter in its homeland, it does not need any special care at different times. However, you can limit fertilization a little from October to February and water your nest fern a little less.
The propagation of the nest fern
Like other ferns, the nest fern can be propagated by spores. You can find these on the undersides of its leaves, which are up to one meter long. In July or August, place the spores on a mixture of soil and sand without covering them.
Put a transparent film over the growing pot and place it in a bright, warm place at around 22 °C to 24 °C. Keep the substrate evenly moist. The first green should appear after about two to three weeks.
The most important care tips in brief:
- water regularly with low-lime water
- fertilize about once a month
- preferred location: partially shaded to shady
Tip
If you are looking for a plant for a more shady place in your home, then the nest fern may be an alternative because it only needs a little light.
