How to Grow Bird's Nest Fern Houseplants

Turn your home into a tropical forest with an addition of a Bird's Nest Fern. The moisture-loving fern grows wildly throughout the world's biggest rain forests on trees, rocks or other vegetation. The Bird's Nest Fern also grows well in homes. Plant it in small pots, baskets or other containers thanks to its small root system.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep your Bird's Nest Fern in a low-light area. Place the plant in a window with indirect sunlight.

2. Pot in a clay pot. The pot breathes better and allows air to dry out the soil, keeping the roots from rotting.

3. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. The Bird's Nest Fern does better in a porous soil and sand mixture that drains easily.

4. Plant your houseplant in a basket. Other ideas include planting the fern in a tub, clay pot or even among the rocks of a fountain base.

5. Admire the glossy green leaves of your Bird's Nest Fern. The plant makes a perfect centerpiece for the dining room table.

Tips & Warnings

• Grow a large Bird's Nest Fern by putting your plant in a large container. The houseplant can grow to be 6 feet tall.

• If your fern's leaves are turning pale, the plant is getting too much sunlight.

• Be careful when handling a young fern's leaves. They are very brittle.

• Don't let your fern get too hot. The plant will turn yellow at the base of the leaves and eventually brown.

Resources

• Find help with houseplants at Better Homes and Gardens.com.