Okay, so I’ve been wanting to share my experience with my bird’s nest fern, and today’s the day! I finally got around to doing some much-needed plant care, and I figured I’d document the whole process.
Getting Started
First things first, I gathered my supplies. I made sure I had:
- A spray bottle filled with water (filtered is best, but I just used tap water that I let sit out for a day).
- My trusty watering can.
- Some plant food – I use a liquid one that I dilute in water.
- A pair of scissors, just in case I needed to trim any dead leaves.
- A damp cloth for wiping down the leaves.
The Watering Process
My bird’s nest fern was looking a little thirsty. The fronds (that’s what the leaves are called) weren’t as vibrant green as usual, and the soil felt pretty dry.
I know these guys like humidity, so I started by giving the fronds a good mist with my spray bottle. I made sure to get the undersides of the leaves too.
Next, I watered the soil. The key with these ferns is to not overwater them.
I poured water slowly around the base of the plant, making sure not to get water in the center “nest” part – that can cause rot, and nobody wants that!
I kept watering until I saw water starting to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
That’s how I know the soil is evenly moist.I let the pot to drain all extra water.
Feeding Time
Once the plant had a good drink, I mixed up some plant food according to the instructions on the bottle. I usually do this about once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
I poured the diluted fertilizer onto the soil, just like I did with the water.
Tidying Up
I noticed a couple of yellowing fronds at the bottom of the plant. These were older leaves that were naturally dying off.
I carefully snipped them off with my scissors, close to the base.
Finally, I took my damp cloth and gently wiped down each frond. This removes any dust that might have accumulated and helps the plant breathe better. Plus, it makes the leaves look nice and shiny!
The Result
My bird’s nest fern is now looking much happier! The fronds are perked up, and the color is back to its vibrant green.
It’s amazing what a little bit of TLC can do.
I’ll probably need to water it again in about a week, but I’ll keep an eye on the soil and the fronds to make sure it’s not drying out too much.
That’s pretty much it! Taking care of a bird’s nest fern isn’t rocket science, but it does require a little bit of attention.
Hope this helps anyone who’s thinking of getting one of these beauties, or already has one and wants some tips!
