The nest fern is a popular representative of indoor plants. In this article you will find tips on the location and care of the nest fern as well as the most beautiful varieties for the apartment.
The nest fern (Asplenium nidus) brings the tropics into your home with its lush, green leaves. Would you like to know what to look out for when caring for nest ferns? We give you the most important tips and tricks about location, care and choice of variety of the popular houseplant.
Nest fern: origin and properties
The nest fern (Asplenium nidus) from the genus Spleenworts (Asplenium) belongs to the family of the spleenworts (Aspleniaceae) and comes from the rainforests of East Africa, Asia and Australia. The evergreen plant can also develop leaves up to one meter long in indoor culture. The leaves are slightly wavy and have a light green, shiny color. As the name suggests, the fern fronds form a kind of nest and are funnel-shaped. The arrangement of the leaves serves the plant as a collecting funnel for water and plant residues, which supply the fern with nutrients. In its natural environment, the nest fern grows epiphytically, i.e. sitting on trees - just like orchids. Some species of amphibians can even find shelter in its leaves.
The most beautiful nest fern varieties for the home
In addition to the classic nest fern, there are also a few other interesting varieties that catch the eye with their strikingly shaped leaves.
Asplenium nidus 'Crissie': This version of the nest fern impresses with its rather smooth leaf edges, which fray almost hand-shaped at the leaf tips. This property gives the leaves a very unusual appearance.
Asplenium nidus 'Crispy Wave': The leaves of this variety are particularly wavy. Since these nest ferns are reminiscent of a head of hair due to their growth form, one thinks herequickly to a head of curls.
Asplenium nidus 'Fimbriatum': With its leaf edges frayed all around, this nest fern bears a resemblance to carrot greens that sprout from the ground.
Asplenium nidus 'Osaka': In contrast to Asplenium nidus 'Crispy Wave' the whole leaf is not wavy in this variety, only the edges are heavily curled.
Location and substrate for the nest fern
As an epiphyte in the crowns of tall trees, the nest fern usually grows in semi-shade and without contact with the ground. Due to its natural, tropical habitat, the fern should be used as a houseplant.
The nest fern prefers a semi-shady, windless place because it does not tolerate direct sun, but still needs enough light to grow. A warm, humid climate is ideal, so the temperature should always be around 20 °C and sufficient humidity should be ensured.
Tip: To increase humidity, place a bowl of water on the heater or near the nest fern. Since the leaves are quite sensitive, you should avoid using a water sprayer.
High-quality potting soil is suitable as a substrate for nest ferns, such as our Plantura organic universal soil, which contains all the important nutrients for he althy growth. The soil is made from natural raw materials and is peat-free, making it particularly sustainable. Good drainage of the soil is important so that no water can form. To increase permeability, you can simply mix a little expanded clay or sand into the substrate. In addition, a layer of potsherds or gravel on the bottom of the pot helps water drain. Orchid soil that meets the requirements of the epiphytes is also suitable for the nest fern, but is not absolutely necessary.
Nest fern care: you should pay attention to this
Care for the nest fern is not very complex. If the plant is in an optimal location, only a few small things have to be considered.
Water nest fern, fertilize and cut
It is best to pour your nest fern directly into the substrate with low-lime water at room temperature. Rainwater is particularly suitable for the nest fern. The root ballshould always be moist but not over-soaked. As soon as the substrate dries slightly on the surface, you can water again.
Tip: The nest fern needs a lot of water in summer. At this time you can also occasionally dip the plant with the root ball in a bucket of water so that the entire substrate can become soaked with water.
You only have to fertilize the nest fern a year after repotting, as the soil already contains many nutrients. From spring to autumn, half the dose of fertilizer should be added to the irrigation water about every three weeks. Our Plantura organic indoor & green plant fertilizer, for example, is a sustainable fertilizer variant, which not only provides all the essential nutrients, but also enriches the soil life with the microorganisms it contains.
The nest fern does not require pruning. Only brown and dried leaves can be carefully removed.
Repot nest fern
Since the nest fern grows rather slowly, it is sufficient to repot it every two to three years in spring. The fresh substrate contains new nutrients and can therefore have a positive effect on growth. If the roots get too tight in the old pot, a slightly larger planter should be chosen.
Is the nest fern poisonous?
The nest fern is not poisonous to humans or pets. It can therefore be placed in any suitable place in the home without hesitation.
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