Do birds nest ferns need sunlight?

Quick Answers

Birds nest ferns are tropical plants that prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch their fronds, but too little light will cause them to decline. The ideal lighting conditions for bird’s nest ferns are bright indirect sunlight for several hours a day, or moderate artificial light. They can get by with less light than many houseplants but do require some light to thrive.

Do Birds Nest Ferns Require Sunlight to Grow?

Yes, birds nest ferns do require some sunlight for healthy growth. As tropical plants originally found growing under the forest canopy, they are adapted to indirect sunlight filtered through trees and shrubs. In their native habitat, birds nest ferns would receive dappled sunlight for several hours per day.

While birds nest ferns can tolerate lower light conditions than many popular houseplants, they do need exposure to at least medium or moderate light to grow well indoors. Very low light often results in small, stunted growth and yellowing fronds.

Ideal Light Conditions

The ideal lighting conditions for a birds nest fern are:

• Bright, indirect sunlight for 3-6 hours per day
• 800-2000 foot candles of diffuse natural light
• 12-14 hours under fluorescent grow lights

This level of gentle, filtered sunlight allows the fern to grow lush and vigorous. The fronds will unfurl faster and grow larger with plenty of indirect light.

Minimum Light Requirements

While more light is better, birds nest ferns can get by with less. At a minimum, these ferns require:

• 2-3 hours of dappled sunlight per day
• 500-800 foot candles of gentle indoor light
• 8-10 hours under grow lights

With less light than this, their growth will slow, fronds will be smaller, and the fern may start to decline. But they can tolerate short periods of low light if needed.

Can Birds Nest Ferns Handle Direct Sunlight?

Birds nest ferns should not be placed in direct sunlight. Their wide, tender fronds can easily burn if exposed to prolonged hot sun. Direct sun will also cause the foliage to fade and look bleached.

However, these tropical plants can tolerate short periods of early morning or late afternoon sun. A little direct sunlight is not necessarily harmful, as long as the ferns are not getting scorched.

Try to limit birds nest ferns to less than 2 hours of direct sun per day. Filtered sunlight through a sheer curtain is also an option. Just watch for any yellowing or crisping of the fronds, which signals too much light intensity.

Signs of Too Much Sun

Look for these signs that indicate your birds nest fern is getting too much direct sunlight:

• Yellow or brown scorched spots on fronds
• Crispy, dried out frond tips
• Faded or bleached color
• Wilting, drooping fronds
• Slowed growth

If you notice any of these issues, move your fern to a shadier spot. Damaged fronds will not recover, but the plant will eventually grow new healthy foliage if given proper lighting conditions again.

Providing the Right Amount of Sun

Here are some tips to provide just the right amount of sunlight for your bird’s nest fern:

• Place near an east or west facing window for gentle morning/afternoon sun
• Use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight
• Provide shade with larger plants or room dividers
• Move to a shadier spot during summer months
• Use supplemental grow lights if indoor light is insufficient

Do Birds Nest Ferns Require Special Artificial Lighting?

Birds nest ferns can be grown successfully indoors without specialty lighting. As long as they receive a few hours of gentle natural light from an east, west, or north window, these ferns will thrive.

But if your home has very low natural light, or your fern’s location is too dark, providing artificial light can be beneficial. Grow lights are not strictly necessary for birds nest ferns, but they can help support healthy growth if sunlight is scarce.

Using Grow Lights

Here are some tips for using supplemental grow lights for your birds nest fern:

• LED or fluorescent bulbs work well. Avoid hot incandescent lights.
• Position lights 12-18 inches above the fern’s fronds.
• Provide 14-16 hours of light per day.
• Replace bulbs every 6-9 months when output declines.

With adequate artificial lighting, birds nest ferns will flourish even in low natural light conditions. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure.

Signs Grow Lights Are Needed

Watch for these cues that your fern needs supplemental lighting:

• Smaller than normal frond size
• Slow growth
• Fronds yellowing or browning
• Falling or wilting fronds
• Fading color
• Declining health

If your fern is exhibiting any of these problems, try providing full spectrum grow lights to see if its growth and health improve. Boosting light levels will often perk up struggling ferns.

Where Should Birds Nest Ferns Be Placed Indoors?

When displaying birds nest ferns in your home, look for bright, warm spots that receive ample gentle sunlight throughout the day. Here are some ideal indoor locations:

• Near an east facing window (for morning sun)
• Near a west facing window (for afternoon sun)
• A few feet back from a north facing window
• In a sunroom or greenhouse with filtered light
• Under a skylight or atrium

Avoid placing birds nest ferns in excessively dark corners or rooms without windows. Low light areas will cause the fern to weaken and decline over time. Rotate your fern periodically to ensure all sides receive adequate sun exposure.

Importance of Warmth

In addition to sufficient sunlight, birds nest ferns also appreciate warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Cool drafty locations can cause slowed growth. Maintain indoor temperatures above 60°F for best results.

Using Shelves or Hanging Displays

Displaying birds nest ferns on wall mounted shelves or hanging displays can help bring the fronds closer to light sources. Just be sure to use sturdy hooks and check hanging plants frequently to keep them secure.

How to Care for Birds Nest Ferns in Low Light

If you have to keep your bird’s nest fern in a low light spot, here are some tips to help it survive:

• Provide 2-3 hours of direct morning sun if possible.
• Place near the brightest window available.
• Use sheer curtains to filter harsh light.
• Keep leaves clean to maximize light absorption.
• Use white walls and glossy surfaces to reflect light.
• Turn the plant periodically to evenly distribute light.
• Prune off any dead fronds to reduce demand.
• Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.

With attentive care, birds nest ferns can tolerate considerable time in low light conditions. But their health and growth will suffer without adequate sunlight. If possible, move them to a brighter location or use supplemental lighting.

How Much Light Do Birds Nest Ferns Need Outdoors?

When grown outdoors in tropical environments, birds nest ferns flourish in shady, dappled light conditions. Ideal outdoor light levels include:

• 2-4 hours of morning or late afternoon direct sun
• Bright, indirect light for the remainder of the day
• Part or full shade beneath trees and shrubs
• Light shade under larger plants

Avoid placing birds nest ferns in full sun or deep shade outdoors. Their large, delicate fronds are prone to scorching and require some periodic sun exposure for best health.

Outdoor Light Requirements

When grown outside, birds nest ferns should receive the following light conditions:

• 1-4 hours of direct morning or late afternoon sunlight
• 2,000-4,000 foot candles of bright, filtered sun
• Dappled or partial sun
• Light to medium shade

Monitor outdoor ferns for signs of too much light, such as yellowing fronds or dried tips. Adjust placement as needed to prevent damage but still provide sufficient illumination.

Ideal Outdoor Locations

The best places to situate birds nest ferns outside include:

• Beneath high tree canopies
• Beside shrubs or boulders that provide midday shade
• Under larger companion plants
• On east facing porches or patios
• Near west facing windows for afternoon shade
• Under gazebos or pergolas

How to Increase Light Exposure for Indoor Birds Nest Ferns

If your indoor birds nest fern is not getting sufficient sunlight, there are several ways to increase its light exposure:

Adjust the Fern’s Placement

• Move the fern next to a different window that receives more light.
• Place the fern on aplant stand to position it closer to a window or light source.
• Turn the fern periodically so all sides get sunlight exposure.
• Provide shade with a sheer curtain to allow more direct morning/afternoon sun.

Modify the Lighting in the Room

• Open window coverings fully to allow in maximum natural light.
• Install skylights or solar tubes to increase ambient light.
• Switch to lighter color curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to penetrate.
• Upgrade old bulbs with full spectrum LED or fluorescent lighting.
• Add mirrors or glossy surfaces to reflect and bounce light around the room.

Use Supplemental Growing Lights

• Install LED or fluorescent plant lights above the fern.
• Use adjustable gooseneck lamps to direct light onto the fern.
• Set lights on automatic timers to provide 12-14 hours of daily light.
• Replace grow light bulbs every 6 months to maintain output.

With simple adjustments, most indoor environments can be brightened sufficiently to keep birds nest ferns happy and healthy.

Signs Your Birds Nest Fern Needs More Light

Watch for these cues that your bird’s nest fern is not getting sufficient sunlight:

• Slow growth and small new fronds
• Pale, lime green color
• Fronds yellowing or browning
• Frequent dropping of lower leaves
• Frond tips drying out
• Foliage appears thin and sparse
• Lackluster appearance

If your fern is displaying any of these symptoms, try increasing its sun exposure. This may involve moving its location, adding grow lights, or modifying the lighting in the room.

Monitor Closely in Low Light

Birds nest ferns situated in very low natural light need to be monitored for signs of insufficiency. Check for poor growth and declining health, and take action before the fern suffers long term.

Effects of Too Little Light

Without adequate sunlight, birds nest ferns will eventually:

• Stop actively growing
• Drop many of the lower fronds
• Become spindly and weak
• Die back or lose vigor

While birds nest ferns can tolerate short periods of low light, their health will quickly deteriorate without sufficient illumination.

When to Provide Birds Nest Ferns with Shade

Birds nest ferns should be shaded during periods of intense or direct sunlight. Follow these guidelines for when to provide shade:

• During peak afternoon sun
• When sunlight beams directly hit the fern
• During summer months when sunlight is strongest
• When sunlight passing through glass feels hot to the touch
• After 2-3 hours of direct morning or afternoon sun

Filtered sunlight is fine, but harsh or excessive light will damage the wide fronds. Draw curtains, add screens, or move ferns to prevent afternoon sun scorch.

Signs that Your Fern Needs Shade

Look for these signs your bird’s nest fern is getting too much sunlight:

• Yellow or brown scorch marks on fronds
• Crispy, dry frond tips
• Fading color or bleached appearance
• Sunken, dehydrated looking foliage
• Wilting or curling fronds

At the first indication of sun damage, move your fern to a shadier spot or provide screening from harsh light. Singed fronds will not recover, but new growth should resume properly with shade.

Providing the Right Amount of Shade

Aim to shade birds nest ferns just enough to prevent leaf burn, while still allowing some dappled sun. Optimal shade solutions include:

• Sheer or lace curtains over windows
• Positioning near lower light intensity north windows
• Using Acrylic panels to filter direct sun beams
• Placing under skylights or porch covers
• Growing beside larger plants that offer midday shade

Conclusion

Birds nest ferns are adaptable plants that can grow in a range of light conditions, from bright filtered sun to partial shade. While they prefer several hours of indirect light per day, their large fronds can also tolerate lower light. With a little care, these tropical ferns can thrive indoors or outdoors even in less than ideal sun exposure. Monitor your plant’s growth and appearance, and adjust lighting as needed to maintain lush beautiful foliage.