This week’s plant choice is the Bird’s Nest Fern…
There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about having plants inside your home. I love the look of plants tucked into the corners of a room, displayed on coffee tables and kitchen counters, and gracing bathroom vanities.
Plants help a room feel grounded.
I especially love unique plants. Plants that act as conversation starters, and not something you see everywhere you go.
I’m always on the look-out for unique plants, and with this new series on my blog, I’ll share my latest finds with you. Here’s the latest find…
The links in this post may contain affiliate links. I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link. I only write about and share things that I actually use and enjoy.
Asplenium nidus (“Bird’s Nest Fern”)
The Bird’s Nest Fern is a very interesting and unique type of fern. It has large, wavy leaves, unlike most other ferns.
This plant grows on trees or other structures in the wild (epiphytic fern) as well as on the ground (terrestrial fern). It has adapted well to being an indoor houseplant. Instead of keeping this fern in a pot, you could attach it to a plank to hang on the wall, similar to the Staghorn Fern.
About the Plant
The leaves are large and have a very interesting wave and curl to them, giving this plant a lot of character. Most other ferns have feather shapes or palm-like, airy fronds. The leaves grow up to 2-feet long and start out in the center of the plant in a rosette of fronds. The leaves uncurl as they mature, like most ferns do. The center of the plant looks similar to a bird’s nest, which is where this plant got its name.
This plant is native to eastern Africa, northern Australia, and tropical parts of Asia.
The best lighting for this plant is a medium to low indirect light. If the light is too bright (direct sun) for too long, the leaves can become sunburned. The more light this plant receives, the more wavy/crinkly the leaves will be.
Make sure to keep the Bird’s Nest Fern soil consistently moist at all times, but definitely not soggy. It’s best to water around the pot directly over soil, versus watering into the center of the plant – as this can cause the center of the plant to rot.
The Bird’s Nest Fern can grow to around 4-feet in diameter and around 3-feet tall. Make sure you have plenty of space for this plant to grow.
This plant is not toxic to humans and animals.
Why I Love It
I kept seeing this plant in home decor magazines and in home decor photos on Pinterest and Instagram. I thought it always made the rooms look more lively, and wanted to add one of these Bird’s Nest Ferns to my own home.
It’s the wavy leaves that initially drew me in – they remind me of surfing out on the ocean. I also think the leaves look kind of like seaweed in the ocean. I love that the leaves are large and full of character. When new leaves appear, they unfurl from the center and I enjoy watching them as they uncurl over several days.
This plant definitely adds to the tropical vibe for any home decor!
Where to Buy
I bought my Bird’s Nest Fern at Lowe’s for $10.98 in a 6″ pot. You can also find this plant at ThePlantChica on Etsy for $30.00 in a 6″ pot, or at Hirt’s Gardens for a plant attached to a natural wood plaque for $19.99.
If you have more suggestions for unique or unusual plants, please leave a comment below.
