Is the Bird's Nest Fern a Houseplant or an Outdoor Plant?

Bird's nest fern is an attractive tropical plant that resembles a banana plant with its long, bright-green fronds. While the bird's nest fern is generally grown indoors, it can be summered outdoors as a potted plant.

Indoors

Indoors, the bird's nest fern needs medium light or bright, indirect light. The bird's nest prefers temperatures above 50 degrees and below 75 degrees; closer to 75 during the day and down near 50 at night is optimal.

Outdoors

Bird's nest ferns flourish in the cool, shady environments of covered porches and patios. Do not take the plant outside until temperatures are well above 50 degrees and protect them from hot sun. Bring them inside when nighttime temperatures are below 50 degrees.

Soil and Water

Whether inside or out, bird's nest ferns need well-drained soil and high humidity. Double-pot in clay pots to allow for high humidity and cool roots, both of which the bird's nest fern needs to thrive. Allow the soil surface to dry out between soakings but mist the leaves often to provide humidity.

References

• "The New Houseplant Book"; Better Homes and Gardens; 1995

Resources

• Bird's Nest Fern