Pele

Bird’s nest fern

Aspelenium nidus

• 
  Easy care
• 
  Most light conditions

• Pele likes...
  • 
    Most light conditions

    He’s happiest in anything from quite bright light to shade. The only thing he doesn’t like is direct sun.

  • 
    Regular watering

    Unlike most ferns, he can handle his soil being a little dry. Water him if the top two inches of soil feel dry.

  • 
    Humidity

    He loves a humid environment. He’ll really enjoy living in a bathroom, or you can mist him regularly.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Asplenium nidus

  Nickname

  Bird’s nest fern

  Plant type

  Fern

  Plant height (including pot)

  30-40cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Yes

  Nursery pot size

  12cm

• About bird's nest fern

  A stylish, easy plant that’s perfect for bright or shady spots, the bird’s nest fern has become a popular houseplant all over the world. It grows beautifully, with new leaves emerging from the centre to form a big green rosette.

  In the wild, this plant is found in forests across Asia, Africa and Australia. It grows up in the branches of large trees, which is how it gets the name bird’s nest fern. Plants that grow like this are known as epiphytes. A wild bird’s nest fern could grow as large as 3 metres across.

  You’ll be glad to know this one will get nowhere near that large, but it does like to feel as if it’s back in the forest. It will be happy in everything from medium light to quite shady spots. The thing bird's nest ferns really need is moisture, in its soil and the air. Water it whenever the top two inches of soil feel dry and give it amistevery few days. Even better, let it live in a bright bathroom.

  Because bird’s nest ferns grow from the centre, their outer leaves brown as they age. This is nothing to worry about. It’s just your plant making space for new growth. You cansnipthe brown leaves off.

  Did you know?

  This plant is a protected species in Hong Kong, so deserves to be treated with great respect.