Growing birds nest ferns

How to grow birds nest ferns in Perth

Bird’s nest ferns (Asplenium nidus) are naturally epiphytic, meaning they grow on the surface of other plants. In their rain forest homes in Queensland and also in New South Wales, they can be found growing high in the crooks of trees. The common name derives from its large, nest-shaped rosette of light-green, slightly leathery radiating fronds and its ability to grow on trees due to is shallow root system. Bird’s nest ferns have an upright vase shape which adds structural interest and with green fronds reaching up to 1.5 m long they create a wonderful focal point in any garden.

If you have ever wondered how to grow birds nest fern in Perth, Western Australia then look no further. A relatively plant to grow there are a few tricks to successfully growing birds nest fern in Perth, but get these right and you will be laughing.

When to plant birds nest fern in Perth:
Birds nest fern can be propagated by cutting through the centre of the crown with a saw. This is best done in Autumn when the weather is cooler.

Types of birds nest fern in Western Australia:
There are a variety of bird’s nest ferns available here in Australia.

• Asplenium australasicum bird’s nest fern – Birds nest ferns grow in an upright rosette of long apple-green shiny leaves. In the wild they settle in the branches of trees, but you can plant them in borders and pots. Australasicum is taller, more upright in shape, with slightly broader leaves than others
• Asplenium Osaka bird’s nest fern – Osaka grows in an upright rosette of long apple-green shiny leaves with a frilled rippled edge. In the wild they settle in the branches of trees, but you can plant them in borders and pots.
• Asplenium Leslie crested bird’s nest fern – Super-curly crested fern, like glamorous parsley – ideal for subtropical shade planting, indoor gardens, green walls and in the forks of trees. This blog has images of the full-grown ferns in a garden setting.

How to grow birds nest ferns at home:
Bird’s nest ferns make beautiful additions to homes, rock gardens, and patios. Follow these simple steps to grow your own.

1. Choose a place in the garden that gets part shade to filtered sun and is protected from the extreme heat and afternoon sun. Prepare the planting area well by digging in a quality potting mix.
2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the fern from the container, gently tease the roots.
3. Position in hole and back fill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant’s root zone. This helps keep water where it’s needed.  Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
4. Mulch with organic mulch, keeping it away from the base of the plant.
5. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, until established.
6. Feed occasionally and lightly with a quality potting mix by placing it directly into the centre of the fern.

Growing birds nest fern in pots:
When growing it as a houseplant, one of the best places to situate a bird’s nest fern is near a shower or tub in a bathroom where it will receive optimal humidity and warmth, though it must have a light source as well, so ideally should be planted near a window or sky light.

1. Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in the garden that receives part shade to filtered sun and is protected from the hot Australian afternoon sun.
2. Fill the pot with quality potting mix.
3. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.
4. Position in hole and back fill with potting mix, gently firming down.
5. Water in your birds nest fern.
6. Mulch around your fern with an organic mulch, keeping it away from the base of the plant.
7. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, until established.
8. Feed occasionally and lightly with a dynamic lifter soil improver by placing it directly into the centre of the fern.

Propagating birds nest fern:
The most popular method for propagating Bird’s Nest Fern is by spores.

1. Place a mature leaf on a piece of paper or a paper bag. The spores can be collected after a few days.
2. Grow these spores under glass or plastic on a moist and sterile medium such as peat moss.
3. House the medium in a cool, shady environment during propagation. Mist daily.
4. These bird’s nest ferns can be transferred to pots when large enough to care for individually.

Should birds nest fern be pruned?
Prune back any damaged or dead fronds from the base of the plant to maintain its upright appearance.

How often should I water birds nest fern?
Bird’s nest ferns prefer evenly moist surroundings. Watering the soil often during growth and housing the plant in a moderately humid location is ideal. Soil should not be allowed to become dry to the touch. Reduce the frequency of watering in the winter during the plant’s dormant period.

Best fertiliser for birds nest fern:
As a very slow growing plant, Bird’s Nest Fern houseplants do not require as much fertilization as most houseplants. The best fertilizer to use is balanced ratio of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium)(20-20-20) liquid fertilizer is reduced to half strength and applied monthly to the soil surrounding the plants.

Birds nest fern companion plants:
When choosing companion plants, aim for species that have similar light and humidity requirements. This will allow your plants to live together without excessive effort on you the carer to adjust for the needs of each of the plants.

Epiphytic succulents require similar growing conditions to the Asplenium nidus and can guarantee a diverse collection of colours, forms and flowers.

Birds nest fern care and common problems:
Avoid watering excessively as ferns may experience root rot and other fungal problems. If rot occurs, check the soil and the pot of your plant for proper drainage.
Aphids and scale insects are common pests affecting bird’s nest ferns.  Treat as required.

Check out our other how to grow in Perth guides:

• Growing Bearded iris in Perth
• Growing Geraldton wax in Perth
• Growing Orchids in Perth

Tags: birds nest ferns

Category: Flowers and Plants