Yes, you should fertilize a birds nest fern. Bird’s nest ferns are unique and hardy plants, but like most other plants, they do benefit from regular fertilization. Applying a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, every 2-3 months during the growing season will help your bird’s nest fern thrive.
Applying too much fertilizer or applying fertilizer that is high in Nitrogen can cause damage to the plant, so it’s important to follow the directions on the fertilizer and to only apply the recommended amount.
Additionally, using a balanced water-soluble fertilizer helps ensure the plant absorbs the nutrients it needs. When applying fertilizer, make sure to get it on the soil and not on the plant’s fronds, as this can burn the leaves.
How do you keep a birds nest fern healthy?
To keep a birds nest fern healthy, you should provide it with plenty of indirect sunlight and high humidity. Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, as this can lead to root rot. Water the fern from the top with room-temperature water to ensure even absorption, and reduce the amount of water during the winter months.
If you notice the edges of the leaves start to curl or become brown, you should increase the humidity in the room. Place a pebble tray underneath the plant, mist the leaves daily, or use a humidity tray.
If possible, you should also place the plants near a heat source, like a humidifier or radiator, to increase the humidity in the room. Additionally, fertilize the fern with a balanced formula every other month.
Lastly, keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them immediately if you notice any. Taking these measures will help keep your birds nest fern happy and healthy.
What is the Fertiliser for a bird’s nest fern?
The fertiliser requirements of a bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus) vary depending on the individual plant’s needs. Generally, a balanced liquid fertiliser such as a 10-10-10 fertiliser should be applied approximately every two to three months.
When applying fertiliser, it is important to ensure plants are not over-fertilised. The base of the plant should be sprayed with the fertiliser solution and allowed to soak into the soil. Organic fertilisers, such as fish emulsion, can also be used.
As a precautionary measure, to prevent burning the leaves of the fern, be sure to mix in an extra tablespoon of organic compost as additional nutrients. Additionally, bird’s nest fern prefers indirect sunlight, but may also accommodate bright light, so providing adequate light is necessary for optimal growth.
Why are the tips of my birds nest fern turning brown?
The tips of your birds nest fern turning brown could be a sign of too much direct sunlight, or not enough humidity. Bird’s nest ferns prefer bright, indirect light, so if yours is getting direct sunlight it could be causing the brown tips.
In addition, Bird’s nest ferns like higher levels of humidity, so if your home is naturally dry, your fern may be reacting to that by developing the brown tips. You can increase the humidity around your fern by misting it, group it with other houseplants, or use a pebble tray.
Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist, as too much or too little water can also cause tips to brown.
Can bird’s nest ferns be outside?
Yes, bird’s nest ferns can be grown outside in places where the winters are mild and temperatures don’t dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically means that they are planted outdoors in USDA growing zones 8 through 11, although gardeners in cooler zones can still sometimes be successful if they provide adequate protection for the plants.
When trying to grow bird’s nest ferns outdoors, make sure to choose an area with partial to full shade and to keep the soil moist but not soggy. If you live in a cooler climate, mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, and make sure the fern is well-drained so that the roots don’t rot.
Additionally, avoid fertilizing the fern while it is in its dormant period, as this can cause it to burn. Instead, fertilize once a month when the plant is actively growing. With the right care, you should be able to enjoy the beauty of a bird’s nest fern outdoors for many years to come.
Are birds nest ferns hard to care for?
No, caring for birds nest ferns is not hard at all! A birds nest fern requires very basic care – moist soil, indirect sunlight and proper soil drainage. To keep the soil moist, water the plant with filtered water when the top few inches of soil begin to dry out.
Don’t let the plant sit in standing water, as this can cause root rot and fungi growth. If you live in a very warm climate, misting the fern every other day with a fine spray of water will be beneficial.
Place it in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight and avoid direct sunlight or too much direct heat, as it can scorch the leaves of the fern. The soil should contain enough organic matter to retain moisture but it should still have a good amount of drainage.
If the soil does not have enough drainage, add some peat moss or coarse sand to help make it more porous. That’s all there is to it! With these few steps, your birds nest fern should easily thrive in your home.
Do birds nest ferns grow fast?
Yes, birds nest ferns grow fairly quickly as long as they are planted in the appropriate environment. It is important to ensure that the fern has a well-draining soil composed of peat moss and loam, that it is kept in shade or partial shade, and that the soil remains slightly moist.
The fern itself will grow from a central crown which produces fronds that unfurl from the center. It can reach heights of up to 4 feet and widths up to 3 feet, with mature fronds growing up to 24 inches long.
It is likely that you will see some significant growth as well as new fronds after the first month of planting. With these environmental requirements in place, your birds nest fern should grow quickly, giving you a lush, green addition to your indoor or outdoor garden.
What does an Underwatered birds nest fern look like?
An underwatered birds nest fern looks wilted, with its fronds curled up and yellowing. The fronds lose their bright green, luscious color, and become dull and droopy; the edges start to brown, resembling the color of straw.
The entire fern can become lighter in color due to dehydration, with the fronds practically curling up into itself. The soil is dry and may develop cracks, indicating a lack of water. If you try and feel the soil, it would feel dry and hard, likely registering almost nothing on your finger.
If it also hasn’t been fed with plant-food or fertilizer, the leaves may become yellow or even a faded green rather than an emerald green. An underwatered birds nest fern can easily be revived with a good dose of water and a balanced fertilizer.
Will ferns grow in acidic soil?
Yes, ferns can be grown in acidic soil. The majority of ferns prefer soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity of soil, with a pH of around 7.0 being neutral.
Soil with a pH of below 6.0 is considered acidic. Different species of ferns can tolerate different pH levels, so it is important to do research to find out which ones are suited to your soil’s pH. Generally, soil that is too acidic will prevent ferns from growing as well as they would in more neutral soil.
Many ferns can survive in acidic soils, however, and some even prefer it. Growing ferns in acidic soil requires taking into consideration the pH levels. Adding amendments such as compost or aged manure to the soil may be needed to bring the pH up for ferns that prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil.
Be sure to water them regularly and mulch the soil to help retain moisture. The correct pH in the soil should ensure that your ferns will grow lush and healthy.
Are all ferns acid loving?
No, not all ferns are acid loving. In fact, there is a great deal of variance among the different fern species, and their ideal soil pH can range from acidic to neutral to slightly alkaline. For example, some species, such as the Maidenhair Fern, prefer to be grown in a slightly acidic soil that has a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.
Other species, such as the Lamium Fern, prefer to be grown in a neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It is important to check the individual species’ care requirements before you purchase or plant a fern in order to ensure the best possible success.