Thursday, October 26, 2017

About the Birdnest Fern


As I walked into the florist, this splendid Birdnest fern was sitting on the the penny floor right next to the front door. If growing ferns interests you, the Birdnest fern is one of the easiest ferns to keep indoors. I'd really recommend this for a beginner.

It's called a Birdnest fern because its center crown looks very much like it could be a home for birds, although in miniature. It has stiffly spreading fresh green leaves that emanate from its center. The fronds can eventually grow 3 feet (or 90cm) long so make sure you'll have the space for it. !t will take a few years, at least, for this one to grow that large. It will happen, though.

Its botanical name is Asplenium nidus and if you are walking through Queensland, Australia or parts of Japan you just may happen upon on one growing naturally there. 

You can send plants or floral arrangements as a gift, almost anywhere in the world from this great florist:

           

Care Instructions--
  • Bright indirect light or some morning sun is perfect. Sitting in a north-facing window is ideal. 
  • Ferns must stay on the moist side so give them some water as soon as the top is dry. A plant in a 6" (15cm) pot should take about 1 pint (almost 1/2 liter) of water when necessary. In an 8" diameter pot (20cm), use about 1 quart of water to thoroughly moisten it.
  • Provide humidity for your fern. A daily misting is recommended. 
  • You can also put pebbles in their saucer and keep water in the saucer so that the bottom of the pot sits just above water, not in it. The evaporating water does provide some humidity. The Birdnest fern is tolerant of less humidity than some other ferns.
  • Normal indoor temperatures should suit them just fine.
  • Fertilize regularly for best growth
~~~~~

***For a variety of  video clips on houseplant care from my 90's TV series, click below:
 
 
 

  ©2017

No comments:

Post a Comment