Birds Nest Fern is a common indoor plant. It can thrive indoors provided it gets the right care and treatment.
Essentials
Soil
Bird’s Nest Ferns need a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. You can use a mix of one part perlite and two parts peat, or a potting mix that is a mix of peat and organic compost. As long as the soil has enough nutrients and organic matter for the average houseplant, it will work well for a Bird’s Nest Fern.
Watering
Ferns are a type of delicate plant that require consistent amounts of moisture in their soil, but they cannot sit in soggy soil as this will lead to mold growth and rot. When watering ferns, make sure to water the soil directly and not to wet the fronds as this can damage them. Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry, aiming the water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the fronds. In order to create a more humid environment for your fern, water less frequently and mist the plant with water or use a humidifier. By following these guidelines, you can keep your fern healthy and prevent any damage to this delicate plant.
Flower
There are no flowers in the bird’s nest fern plant. It is a tropical plant that has beautiful, delicate green leaves. However, it grows no flowers.
Fruiting
Bird’s nest fern produces no fruits either. It propagates through spores.
Pruning
Pruning a plant is often beneficial. it helps reduce the size of the plant, give shape to the plant, remove dead or dying plants, and improve the overall health and well-being of the plant in the long term. Brown, yellow leaves can be removed from the plant using a pair of clean shears, that have been disinfected.
Diseases and Pests
Most can be treated with horticultural oils, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Bird’s nest ferns may also be susceptible to bacterial blight. Prevent blight by avoiding getting water on the foliage.
Fungal diseases are a common problem with bird’s nest ferns. They can be caused by too much moisture, poor air circulation, or even too much shade. Leaf spot and root rot are the two most common diseases.
Leaf spots will cause black or brown spots on the leaves, while root rot will kill the roots and make the plant unstable. If you suspect your plant has a disease, try to correct the problem and then treat it with a fungicide. Insect pests can also be a problem for bird’s nest ferns. Aphids, mealybugs, and scale are the most common pests.
These pests suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die. If you have a serious infestation, you may need to treat the plant with diffused soapy water or neem oil.
Irritation to pets
Ferns are usually safe for pets. Eating these houseplants does not cause any harm.
Propagation
Birds nest ferns propagate through spores. Spores are little brown spots on the underside of leaves or fronds. To propagate ferns using spores follow these steps
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