Looking for a unique but easy to care for houseplant? Let's talk about Leslie's Crested Birds Nest Fern care and if it might be right for your home!
My husband recently built a plant stand with a rod for hanging planters and surprised me by picking up a few hanging plants from Lowe's with his building supplies.
One of the plants that he grabbed was a bird's nest fern.
I already have a hurricane fern - another type of bird's nest fern - but this was a Leslie's Crested Birds Nest Fern!
Printable Leslie's Crested Birds Nest Fern Care Guide
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What is Leslie's Crested Bird's Nest Fern?
This fern has its leaves grow out of one central spot. They grow upward and each leaf has ruffles on the end of each tip - the crests!
Other names for Leslie's Crested Bird's Nest Fern include:
- Asplenium antiquum 'Leslie'
- Birds Nest Fern 'Leslie'
Leslie's Crested Bird's Nest Fern origins
Leslie's Crested Birds Nest Ferns are native to the rainforest where they grow in the crooks of large trees.
They are naturally found in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Is Leslie's Crested Bird's Nest Fern rare?
No, these plants are commonly found in box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart. They are still cool though!
Is Leslie's Crested Bird's Nest Fern toxic?
Birds Nest Ferns are non-toxic and pet safe.
Leslie's Crested Bird's Nest Fern care guide
Birds Nest ferns are easy care plants once you get them in the right spot with the right watering schedule.
Bird's Nest Fern watering
Bird's nest ferns like to stay moist. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. If the soil looks compact, it is much too dry and needs a good soaking.
Read my guide on drilling drainage holes in pots!
How often should I water my Bird's Nest Fern?
Water your plant when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. I water mine ever so slightly more frequently than other houseplants!
If you notice that your birds nest fern is getting yellow leaves, this is often a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings!
Should I mist my Bird's Nest Fern?
Yes, ferns love moisture and enjoy being misted.
Bird's Nest Fern lighting needs
These ferns do well in medium indirect light. They will die in low light, but too much direct light will also kill them.
Can I keep Bird's Nest Fern outdoors?
You can keep these plants outdoors in a well shaded spot such as on a covered porch. Bring them indoors when overnight temperatures drop below 50 degrees.
Bird's Nest Fern soil + potting
Bird's Nest Ferns are epiphytic plants. This means that they naturally grow in the crooks of other plants. So, they have shallow root systems and can live without too much soil.
Be sure to choose a heavy enough plant, since they tend to get top heavy and tip over.
Does Bird's Nest Fern like to be root bound?
Your birds nest fern has a shallow root system, so it would be very difficult for it to get root bound.
Bird's Nest Fern fertilization
These are slow growing plants and they don't need to be fertilized to grow well.
Troubleshooting Bird's Nest Fern
Why is my bird's nest fern not growing?
These are slow growing plants. If your plant is not growing at all, be sure it is getting enough water and enough light!
Why is my bird's nest fern getting brown tips?
Brown crispy leaves or tips of leaves indicate that your plant is under watered. Give it more water and a regular misting!
Any more questions about birds nest ferns?!
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I'm Morgan, a houseplant enthusiast from sunny Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up surrounded by my mom's lush orchids and African violets, I discovered the magic of bringing nature indoors. Thanks to the pandemic, I delved deeper into houseplants, discovering their power to uplift moods and transform spaces. I'm here to spill all my secrets, helping you pick the perfect houseplant - and make it happy. Let's keep your plants alive, together! 😊
