Birds Nest Fern Plant Care
Neottopteris mauritiana Fée
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Asplenium nidus is an epiphytic species of fern in the family Aspleniaceae, native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii, Polynesia, Christmas Island, India, and eastern Africa. It is known by the common names bird's-nest fern or simply nest fern.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Birds Nest Fern?
Water Birds Nest Fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Birds Nest Fern Native To?
What Is the Birds Nest Fern?
Birds Nest Fern (Neottopteris mauritiana) belongs to the Aspleniaceae family within the Neottopteris genus. Birds Nest Fern is native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii, Polynesia, Christmas Island, India, and eastern Africa.
Birds Nest Fern displays a compact, clumping fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Birds Nest Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Birds Nest Fern?
Neottopteris mauritiana requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Birds Nest Fern Need?
Birds Nest Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Birds Nest Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Birds Nest Fern Prefer?
Neottopteris mauritiana grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Birds Nest Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Birds Nest Fern?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Birds Nest Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Birds Nest Fern?
Feed Birds Nest Fern every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Birds Nest Fern?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Birds Nest Fern?
Birds Nest Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Birds Nest Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Birds Nest Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Birds Nest Fern?
Birds Nest Fern is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Birds Nest Fern Need?
Birds Nest Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Birds Nest Fern is native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii, Polynesia, Christmas Island, India, and eastern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Birds Nest Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Birds Nest Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Neottopteris genus (family Aspleniaceae) — search all Neottopteris species in the plant lookup.
Birds Nest Fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Neottopteris mauritiana Fée, family Aspleniaceae (first published in Mém. Foug., 5. Gen. Filic. : 203 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Birds Nest Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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