This easy to grow adaptable fern can be incorporated into the garden, or grown in a large container or basket for indoor or outdoor display.
The Bird’s Nest Fern is a spectacular plant that forms a huge rosette of outward growing fronds, which are the foliage of the plant. Each frond is light green and glossy, with a dark midrib and slightly wavy margins.
New fronds unfurl from the center of the crown each spring, and the older fronds on the outside spread to allow this new growth.
Like all ferns, the Bird’s Nest Fern carries spore cases, which hold the seed for propagation, on the back of the fronds. This is also a decorative feature of the plant.
The Bird’s Nest Fern grows quite rapidly, and space must be allowed for its mature height and spread. Its strong outline and vivid green color makes it a perfect accent or feature plant that can be used for dramatic effect in many garden situations.
Create a lush green fernery, with the Bird’s Nest Fern as the centerpiece or focal point. Its size and shape will dominate, and its strong architectural outline will be softened by the other ferns.
Plants the Bird’s Nest Fern in a container, and move it to various parts of the garden to provide a foil for colorful flowering plants.
In a difficult situation such as a bed along the side of a house which is full or semi-shade, a row of Bird’s Nest Ferns will provide a tropical atmosphere.
Irrigation will be needed to ensure the growing conditions remain moist.
Bird’s Nest Ferns look wonderful when grouped together with other hardy ferns that have contrasting foliage. The broad, sword-like leaves are a perfect contrast for the fine, feathery fronds of more delicate ferns such as the Water Fern, Pteris Ferns or Sword Ferns.
When planted near a shady water feature, Bird’s Nest Ferns combine well with moisture-loving perennials such as Primulas, Begonias and the various colorful Anemone Hybrids. The light green, glossy foliage highlights the flower colors of the perennials.
Bird’s Nest Ferns can also be combined with bulbs that like moist, shady positions, including Snowdrops, Hyacinths and Giant Lilies, with their spectacular fragrant cream flowers.
To plant and care for your Bird’s Nest Fern you will need:
Bird’s Nest Fern
Spade
Compost
Leaf mulch
1. Clear the area of weeds, making sure the soil is workable to a depth of at least 20cm. Water lightly the day prior to planting.
2. Mix addition organic matter into the soil, raking it over afterwards. Compost or manure is ideal for growing ferns.
3. Excavate a hole that is at least twice the size of the fern’s root mass. This will give the roots room to grow and establish.
4. Carefully remove the fern from its container, taking care not to damage the fronds. Fill the hole with the soil/compost mixture.
5. Water the fern in thoroughly, and mulch around the base with some leaf mulch to keep moist and to reduce weed growth.
When buying your ferns look for ones that are robust with lush, mid-green fronds. The potting soil should be moist and not shrinking from the sides of the pot.
Avoid ferns with brown or yellowing fronds, or with holes through the foliage that indicate insect damage.
Bird’s Nest Ferns prefer dappled shade and resent direct sunlight. The ideal situation is beneath taller-growing Ferns. If direct sunlight hits the fronds it will result in yellow foliage and burnt edges. This weakens the Fern, and makes it more susceptible to pest infestation and disease. Grow them in the shade.
Good drainage is important, but soil should contain enough organic matter to hold moisture well.
Gather leaf matter and drop it into the crown of the Fern to provide nutrients as the leaves break down.
Maintain routine watering in hot or windy weather, when the Fern may dry out. Ferns like high humidity, so over head watering is advised.
In spring remove any brown or fading fronds and generally tidy the appearance of the Fern. Water it well and feed with a liquid organic fertilizer, such as seaweed mix.
In summer make sure the Fern is well shaded on hot days, and water every morning if conditions are hot and dry.
Autumn is the time to check the backs of the fronds for signs of scale disease, which can be a late summer and autumn problem. Reduce watering as weather cools.
