If you take good care of your nest fern, you can count on a large and long-lasting plant. But it is also important that you plant the nest fern correctly.
The nest fern (Asplenium nidus) belongs to the spleen fern family and is an impressive green plant that develops numerous upright fern fronds from a dense rosette. With proper care, the leaves can even reach lengths of more than one meter. If you follow the care instructions, the plants can provide enthusiasm for many years. The species-appropriate cultivation begins with the planting. You can read about the requirements of the nest fern in this regard below.
Find the right location
The nest fern comes from tropical forests, where it grows epiphytically on tree branches as a shade plant. For cultivation as a houseplant, this does not mean that the right location has to be completely in the shade. Although the plants are protected by the canopy in their original home, they still receive enough light to carry out photosynthesis. However, direct sunlight is harmful to the plant because it would burn the thin fern fronds. On the other hand, the plant has no objection to a partially shaded location. The nest fern is therefore the ideal plant for a shady north-facing window.
As far as temperatures are concerned, they should be above 18 degrees all year round. The plant does very well at room temperature. At values below 16 degrees, however, the nest fern shows little growth. In order to achieve an even growth habit even in a location with relatively little light, you should move the plant a quarter towards the light every week. But note: the nest fern does not like to move. Once you have found a location for the plant, you should stick to it. Otherwise the nest fern will react with dried leaves.
The tropical plant also needs high humidity. This should be between 60 and 70%. This can be achieved by placing the nest fern in a saucer filled with water. However, since the plants do not tolerate waterlogging, you shouldavoid direct contact with the irrigation water. It is best to fill the coaster with pebbles. An indoor fountain that you place near the plants can also ensure higher humidity in the room.
The ideal location in keywords:
- light
- Shade to partial shade
- room temperature all year round
- high humidity
- Avoid waterlogging
- protect from drafts
Selecting the ideal substrate
The nest fern makes few demands on the substrate. However, it is important that the soil is well-drained. The irrigation water should always be able to drain off well so that there is no waterlogging, which the plant cannot tolerate. As a preventative measure, it is a good idea to work a drainage made of potsherds into the bottom of the planter.
The substrate itself can be standard soil, which you loosen up with sand. If you mix some compost into the substrate, the nest fern will receive an organic long-term fertilizer when it is planted.
Keywords for the right substrate:
- loose
- well permeable to water
- enriched with compost
- loosened with sand
Planting nest ferns - explained step by step
- Select a planter and prepare the substrate as just described.
- Then work a drainage into the bottom of the vessel.
- Now fill in some substrate and carefully insert the nest fern.
- Then fill up with the rest of the substrate.
- Finally press the soil lightly and water the plant well.
Transplant nest ferns - what should be considered?
Since the nest fern grows quite slowly and does not develop an extensive root system, transplanting is only necessary every two to three years. It will only rarely happen that the roots have completely penetrated the planter. However, as soon as the roots protrude through the planter, repotting is definitely indicated. However, if you water the nest fern with calcareous tap water, it is better to repot annually to replace the substrate regularly. The tropical plants do not tolerate soil that is too calcareous.
When is the right time to transplant?
The best time to transplant the nest fern is in early spring, before the plant begins to sprout.
What should the planter be like?
When transplanting the nest fernit does not explicitly depend on the use of a larger planter. Only if the roots have already penetrated the old plant pot should you choose a container that is one to two centimeters longer than the previous plant pot. You can prune root strands that are too lush before inserting them into the new planter. You should also remove old and dried-up root parts straight away.
Which substrate to use?
You can place the nest fern in a commercially available peat culture substrate. A self-made mixture of leaf soil, sand and peat is also suitable.
What should be considered when repotting?
In the new planter you should definitely create a drainage made of potsherds to prevent waterlogging. Then carefully move the nest fern and plant it exactly as deep as it was in the old planter. In addition, the plant needs plenty of water after repotting.