Hurricane Bird's Nest Fern

• Unusual Fern
• Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
• Average Watering Needs
• No Soil Required
• Mature Height 3-5 Feet
• Pet Safe

There is something magical about ferns, and the Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum) is particularly fantastic. The leaves of this fern unfurl from a central crown, around which they twist, looking like the clouds of a hurricane as viewed from space. The fronds are slightly rippled, broad, and vibrant green, held in that swirled pattern by a sturdy central leaf rib. Like other Bird’s Nest Ferns, the Hurricane is slightly less temperamental than many ferns, making it an easy-to-care-for option. 

Best Locations For Growing Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern

Needing protection from direct sunlight, the Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern is a great plant for the interior of a bright living room or bedroom. Because it prefers a bit of extra humidity, this plant will also thrive in a bright bathroom or kitchen, with the additional benefit of easy water access. Bird’s Nest Ferns are epiphytic in nature, meaning they do not need to be planted in soil. Attach the Hurricane to a piece of driftwood or wrap its roots in moss to add something different to your plant collection. This plant is non-toxic and therefore safe in homes with children and pets.

Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern Sunlight Requirements

Like other ferns, the Hurricane is sensitive to direct sunlight, burning easily in intense afternoon sunlight. Place this plant in a north- or east-facing window to provide it with all-day bright to medium indirect light. The Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern can also be placed slightly away from a south- or west-facing window, protected from afternoon sun but still accessing plenty of bright light. These ferns are tolerant of medium light, so they can be farther away from a window as long as the room is generally bright all day long.

Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern Plant Care

In nature, Bird’s Nest Ferns are often found clinging to the sides of trees or rocks, as they are epiphytic and do not need soil to survive. For this reason, this plant is best potted in well-draining soil and does not need to be repotted much, if at all. Ferns appreciate higher levels of humidity, so place the Hurricane on a pebble tray, provide a humidifier, or mist the fronds regularly to prevent the edges from becoming brown and crispy. Avoid wetting the center crown of the Bird’s Nest Fern as this can lead to leaf damage and rot.

Watering Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern

Like most ferns, the Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern needs consistently moist but not soggy soil. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly before watering deeply, until water comes out the bottom of the pot. In warmer months, this plant may need water a few times a week, depending on lighting, temperature, and humidity. In the winter, watering can be tapered back slightly as long as the soil is not allowed to dry out. 

Feeding Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern

The Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern is a low feeder, needing to be fertilized no more than once or twice a year. In the spring and summer, a liquid houseplant fertilizer can be added to the watering routine occasionally. Always be sure to dilute the fertilizer in accordance with instructions to avoid damaging the fern’s delicate roots and leaves. Fertilizing in the winter is not necessary as the growth rate will slow. 

SKU:

Fern_Hurricane-HP