Secrets of success:
Summer care: Birds Nest ferns will tolerate quite a shady position, but for a happy, healthy plant, put it in bright, indirect light. Direct sun must be avoided as the leaves will scorch and shrivel.
Best kept in a cool to average temperature room, between 16-22c, can struggle in very warm rooms. Keep constantly moist. Water thoroughly when the top of the soil begins to feel just dry. Water the compost and not the central rosette, as stagnant water can lead to rot. Never let the compost dry out completely. Use water at room temperature, so not to shock the root system, and if possible rainwater is their favourite.
In addition to constant moisture Ferns love humidity. They do particularly well in kitchens or bathrooms. If the air in your room is dry then regular misting, or placing your plant on a humidity tray is helpful. This is best achieved by placing on a saucer filled with decorative stones that you add water to, stand the plant on the stones, but don`t allow the pot to touch the water. This will increase the moisture in the air around the plant.
Not heavy feeders, they only require an occasional half strength foliage liquid feed 2 or 3 times while growing.
Avoid cold draughts.
Aftercare:
Birds Nest Ferns don`t require a dormant period over Winter. If temperatures are cooler then growth does slow down, so the fern will require less water. Once every couple of weeks is usually sufficient, just give enough to stop the compost drying out.
Don`t fertilise.
Keep away from direct heat sources, and cold draughts.
Repot every 1 to 2 years, using a slightly larger pot and good free draining compost.
Warnings:
Not known to be toxic to pets or humans.
