Birds nest ferns are a unique and interesting type of fern that resembles a bird’s nest in shape. They are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants and obtain moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris around them. This leads many people to wonder – do birds nest ferns need additional plant food or fertilizer?
The simple answer is yes, birds nest ferns can benefit from plant food, but how much and what type depends on several factors. In their native tropical habitats, birds nest ferns thrive in rainforests and jungles with warm, humid conditions. When grown indoors as houseplants, recreating these conditions and providing supplemental nutrition helps the plants flourish.
Do Birds Nest Ferns Need Fertilizer?
Birds nest ferns do not require as much fertilizer as many other plants, but they still benefit from occasional feeding. In the wild, they get nutrients from decaying plant matter, animal droppings, and rainy conditions that wash debris over them. As houseplants, using a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during active growth periods gives them the boost they need.
The main growing seasons for birds nest ferns are spring through summer. During this time, temperatures are warm and daylight hours are long – ideal conditions for growth. Fertilizing every 2-4 weeks will provide extra nutrients. In fall and winter when growth slows, fertilizer can be reduced to once a month or stopped altogether.
Always dilute liquid fertilizers to half or quarter strength before applying to birds nest ferns. Their delicate root systems can be damaged by excess salts and minerals in concentrated plant foods. Flushing the roots with clean water after fertilizing helps prevent fertilizer buildup over time.
Choosing a Fertilizer for Birds Nest Ferns
When shopping for fertilizer for birds nest ferns, look for a balanced formula labeled for use on houseplants or tropical plants. Avoid citrus or bloom booster formulas that are too high in phosphorus.
Good options include:
- All-purpose or houseplant fertilizers with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.
- Orchid fertilizers, as they are formulated for epiphytic plants.
- Organic fertilizers like compost tea, worm castings, or all-purpose organic blends.
Liquid or water-soluble fertilizers are preferable over granular or slow-release types. Liquid fertilizer is easy to dilute to the proper strength and ensures even distribution of nutrients. Birds nest ferns have fine root hairs that can struggle to absorb nutrients from thick, concentrated granular fertilizers.
How Often to Fertilize Birds Nest Ferns
When actively growing in spring and summer:
- Fertilize lightly every 2-4 weeks.
- Always dilute liquid fertilizers to half or quarter strength before use.
- Flush the plant’s roots with clean water after fertilizing to prevent buildup.
In fall and winter when growth slows:
- Fertilize monthly or every 6-8 weeks.
- Discontinue fertilizer entirely if plant goes fully dormant.
Monitor the plant’s growth and signs of nutrient deficiencies to determine optimal feeding frequency. Signs of under-fertilization include:
- Slow or stunted growth.
- Pale or yellowed foliage.
- Smaller than normal new fronds.
- Loss of lower fronds.
If these occur, increase fertilizer frequency. Signs of over-fertilization like leaf burn, root damage, or excessive salt buildup mean it’s time to leach the soil and hold off on fertilizer for a bit. Finding the right balance takes some trial and error.
Providing the Right Conditions
No amount of fertilizer can make up for improper growing conditions. Birds nest ferns thrive in warm temperatures between 65-85°F and high humidity around 60-80%. Good air circulation from fans prevents fungal diseases.
Provide bright, indirect sunlight for 6-8 hours daily. Low light leads to sparse, weak growth. Too much direct sun burns delicate fronds.
Pot in an orchid mix or bark-based potting soil that drains well but still retains some moisture. Water thoroughly when the top few inches become dry, taking care not to oversaturate the roots.
Meeting these ideal care requirements minimizes stress and ensures birds nest ferns can absorb and utilize fertilizers effectively to look their best. Think of proper conditions as the foundation and fertilizer as the finishing touch.
Best Practices for Fertilizing Birds Nest Ferns
Follow these tips for successfully feeding birds nest ferns:
- Choose a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer to provide an even dose of nutrients.
- Dilute fertilizer concentration to 50% or 25% strength before use.
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks from spring to summer when actively growing.
- Reduce feeding frequency in fall and winter during dormancy.
- Flush the soil monthly with clean water to prevent fertilizer buildup.
- Always check the plant’s needs rather than sticking to a fixed schedule.
- Address environmental issues like lighting or humidity first.
- Stop fertilizing if signs of over-fertilization occur.
With a thoughtful approach, birds nest fern owners can provide these epiphytic beauties the right amount of food to stay healthy and thrive indoors.
FAQ
What kind of fertilizer is best for birds nest ferns?
A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, orchid fertilizer, or organic fertilizer like compost tea are all good options. Choose a dilute solution and fertilize lightly but frequently in the growing season.
Should I fertilize my birds nest fern year round?
Fertilize birds nest ferns every 2-4 weeks from spring to summer during active growth. In fall and winter, reduce feeding frequency to monthly or stop fertilizing if the plant goes dormant. Only fertilize year-round if the fern shows continuous growth.
What are signs my birds nest fern needs more fertilizer?
Look for slower growth, smaller new fronds, yellowing lower leaves, leaf loss, and overall paleness or lack of vibrancy. These are signs the plant could use a nutritional boost from fertilizer.
How often should I flush the soil of fertilizer buildup?
Flush birds nest fern potting mix once a month by watering thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, leaching out any accumulated salts and minerals. This prevents fertilizer toxicity.
Should I mist my birds nest fern with fertilizer?
No, misting with fertilizer concentrate can damage the plant’s foliage. Always dilute liquid fertilizers before applying to the potting mix. Misting with plain water helps increase humidity.
Conclusion
While birds nest ferns are adapted to thrive with minimal nutrients in nature, providing supplemental fertilizer helps them put out lush, vibrant new growth as houseplants. A diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks through the growing season gives them a nutritional boost without risk of overload. Proper care by maintaining ideal conditions is still crucial, as no amount of plant food can replace the light, temperature, humidity, airflow and potting mix these epiphytic ferns need. With a thoughtful fertilizing routine tailored to the plant’s needs and growth patterns, birds nest ferns can grow happily in any indoor environment.
