Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus
Also known as: Nest Fern
A complete guide to growing and propagating Bird's Nest Fern: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.
Bird's Nest Fern care at a glance
Track your bird's nest fern cuttings & propagation in SnipLog
Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline â free on iPhone.
How to propagate Bird's Nest Fern
Division
- Water the day before, then unpot and loosen the root ball.
- Split the clump into sections, each with fronds and a share of roots.
- Pull or cut the sections apart, keeping crowns intact.
- Pot each into rich, peaty mix at the same depth.
- Keep warm, humid and evenly moist while they recover.
Common Bird's Nest Fern problems & fixes
Brown, crispy fronds
Low humidity or dry soil. Keep the soil evenly moist and raise humidity with a tray or humidifier.
Yellowing fronds
Usually overwatering or too much direct sun. Move to bright indirect light and let only the very top of the soil dry.
Fronds dropping
Sudden dryness or cold drafts. Keep moisture consistent and move away from heat vents and doors.
Track your bird's nest fern cuttings & propagation in SnipLog
Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline â free on iPhone.
Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications â if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.