Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

Name: Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Rating: 5.00 (3 reviews)

Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

$40.95 USD

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Size 6" Pot 4" Pot

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Non-toxic to cats & dogsHow we check every plant

Free shippingShips in 1–3 business days, then 2–4 days to your door

30-day plant health guaranteeArrives damaged? We'll replace or refund it. Details

Ships in its nursery potThe decorative pot in the photos isn't included, so you can pick one that fits your space.

The bird's nest fern doesn't look like a typical fern. Instead of lacy, feathery fronds, it grows broad, glossy, wavy-edged leaves that unfurl from a central rosette, like a nest. It's the easiest fern to keep indoors: it handles normal household humidity and lower light, and it doesn't shed leaflets all over your floor. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

The one rule: water the soil around the edges, not into the center of the rosette. Water sitting in the crown can cause rot.

Quick facts

Botanical name	Asplenium nidus
Also called	Bird's nest fern, nest fern
Pets	Non-toxic to cats and dogs (listed by the ASPCA)
Light	Low to medium indirect light; no direct sun
Water	Keep lightly moist; water when the top inch is dry
Humidity	Average home humidity is fine; loves a bright bathroom
Size	Fronds usually 1 to 2 feet long indoors; grows slowly
Care level	Easy, the easiest fern for beginners

Why you'll love it

A fern without the fuss: it's far more forgiving of dry air than Boston or maidenhair ferns.
Clean, modern look: glossy, sculptural leaves suit contemporary spaces.
Low light friendly: it's one of the best pet-safe plants for dimmer rooms.

Care guide

Light: Medium, indirect light is ideal, and it handles lower light well. A bright bathroom or a spot a few feet from an east or north window works perfectly. Direct sun scorches and yellows the fronds.

Water: Keep the soil lightly moist, watering when the top inch feels dry. Pour water onto the soil around the edges, not into the central rosette. Filtered or rain water helps prevent brown tips. Water less in winter.

Humidity and temperature: Average home humidity is fine, though it looks its best above 50%. Keep it between 65 and 80°F and away from heating vents and cold drafts.

Soil and feeding: In nature it grows on trees, so it likes an airy, chunky mix. Potting soil with orchid bark or perlite works well. Feed at half strength monthly in spring and summer. Repot every 2 to 3 years.

Trimming: Remove damaged fronds at the base. Never cut or touch the center, since new fronds unfurl only from there.

Questions

Is bird's nest fern safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. A pet that chews a lot of any plant may get a mild upset stomach, but it won't be poisoned. Just avoid the "asparagus fern," which isn't a true fern and is toxic.

Can it grow in low light?

Yes. It's one of the best low light ferns. It grows more slowly in dim rooms but stays healthy. Avoid rooms with no windows unless you add a grow light.

Why are the frond edges turning brown?

Usually very dry air, soil that dried out completely, or minerals in tap water. Water a bit more consistently, try filtered water, and move it away from heaters.

Why are the fronds wavy or crinkled?

That's natural. Bird's nest fern fronds have gently rippled edges, and some varieties are extra wavy. New fronds unroll from the center slowly, so give them time to flatten out.

How big will it get?

Indoors, fronds usually reach 1 to 2 feet long, forming a rosette about as wide. It grows slowly, so it stays a good size for tables and shelves for years.

See all pet-safe ferns or more low light plants.

5 stars: 3 (100%)
4 stars: 0 (0%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Incredible plant shop. Great packaging and quick shipping! Will definitely reorder.

I had a great experience with this shop! My first Bird's Nest fern got lost in the mail (at no fault of the shop owner), but the shop owner Nikki responded quickly and sent a replacement plant right away for free. The new plant arrived healthy and beautiful. I truly appreciate the quick support and excellent customer service. I highly recommend this shop!