Troubleshooting
Bird's Nest Fern problems — and how to fix them
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Browning, crispy frond edges or tips
Usually caused by low humidity, dry heat, draughts or chalky/fluoride-laden tap water. Raise humidity, move away from radiators and vents, and switch to filtered or rainwater.
Rotting central crown
Water collecting in the nest-like rosette rots the emerging fronds and can kill the plant. Always water the compost around the rim and keep the crown dry.
Yellowing or scorched, bleached fronds
Direct sunlight bleaches and burns the thin leaves, while waterlogged roots also yellow them. Move to bright indirect light and check drainage.
Scale, mealybugs and fungus gnats
Sap-sucking scale and mealybugs hide along the frond undersides and midribs; treat by wiping with insecticidal soap. Damp compost can also attract fungus gnats and even slugs or snails.
Prevent bird's nest fern problems before they start
Most bird's nest fern issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bird's Nest Fern problems — FAQ
Why is my bird's nest fern browning, crispy frond edges or tips?
Usually caused by low humidity, dry heat, draughts or chalky/fluoride-laden tap water. Raise humidity, move away from radiators and vents, and switch to filtered or rainwater.
Why is my bird's nest fern rotting central crown?
Water collecting in the nest-like rosette rots the emerging fronds and can kill the plant. Always water the compost around the rim and keep the crown dry.
Why is my bird's nest fern yellowing or scorched, bleached fronds?
Direct sunlight bleaches and burns the thin leaves, while waterlogged roots also yellow them. Move to bright indirect light and check drainage.
Why is my bird's nest fern scale, mealybugs and fungus gnats?
Sap-sucking scale and mealybugs hide along the frond undersides and midribs; treat by wiping with insecticidal soap. Damp compost can also attract fungus gnats and even slugs or snails.