Victoria bird nest fern care: Attractive and easy to grow plant
The Victoria bird nest fern are easy to grow plants belonging to the family of ferns. They are shade loving and epiphytic plants. The leaves have wavy edges, fanning out from the center and resembles a birds nest.
Quick Details Victoria bird nest fern
| Other Common Names | Birds nest fern, Victoria bird nest fern, Ruffled birds nest |
| Type | Indoor/ outdoor shade loving ornamental house plants |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | No flowers |
| Light | Indirect light or shade |
| Water | Regular watering |
| Temperature | warm humid conditions |
| Soil | Well draining soil rich in humus or wooden substrate. |
| Fertilizer | Any liquid fertilizer half its recommended amount |
| Habitat | Tropical areas of Asia, Africa, Australia, United States and the Caribbean, |
| Toxicity | No |
| Common Diseases | Rot, Aphids, scales |
| Scientific name | Asplenium Victoria |
Victoria bird nest fern Buying Instructions
- Buy a healthy plant with shining leaves.
- Plant is very delicate so make sure you are transporting the plant carefully.
- Plant leaves should not have any king of patches on it.
Overview of Victoria bird nest fern
The Victoria bird nest fern are native to the tropical forests of Asia, Australia and America. These plants are mostly epiphytic and seen to grow on the branches of trees. They are shade loving plants and can not tolerate excess sunlight or heat. This belong to the family ‎Aspleniaceae.
Small Victoria bird nest fern growing on a tree trunk
Image Source: Tu7uh / CC BY (Image Cropped)
They are slow growers. The foliage is long slender, arranged in rosette and has ruffles at the edges. The fronds are of the same length. The foliage is light bright green, shiny and has a prominent mid rib.They require enough amount of humidity and warmth to thrive.
The Victoria bird nest fern plants, When provided with proper conditions, the new leaves emerge from the center of the rosettes. These are very delicate and fragile and can be damaged easily.
Usage and Advantage of Victoria bird nest fern
- Grown as an ornamental plant.
- Eaten as a vegetable in Taiwan,
General Care for Victoria bird nest fern
Special Care
Victoria bird nest fern care is less and easy. In case of dry conditions, place a pebble tray with water under the pot to provide enough humidity. The leaves can also be misted. Do not leave the soil or leaves wet, this can attract pathogens. Remove the infected leaves immediately.
Soil
Use a well draining potting mix rich in humus or peat moss. The mix used for orchids can also be used.
Water
The Victoria bird nest fern prefer their soil to be moist. Water the plants regularly in the morning so that the water drains out and the soil is dry enough by night. Do not do overhead watering. The water can collect at the center and attract pathogen.Do not leave the plants underwater for long, they can wilt and dry.
Sunlight
The Victoria bird nest fern plants are naturally grown under the shades of huge tress or on the branches of the trees. They prefer indirect sunlight or shade. Place them in spots with indirect sunlight or complete shade. Do not expose them to direct sunlight for longer periods.
Temperature
The Victoria bird nest fern prefer warm humid conditions. They are native to the tropics and can not tolerate extreme climatic conditions. A humidity of about 60-80% suits the best for the plants.
Fertilization
The Victoria bird nest fern do not require much fertilizer. Over fertilization can lead to burn and death of the plant. Feed them ones a month with half the recommended amount of any liquid fertilizer. Compost can also be added to the soil.
Pests and other problems for Victoria bird nest fern
The Victoria bird nest fern plants can be attacked by some of the common pests like scales and aphids. Spray a soap solution or neem oil to avoid pests attack.
over watering can lead to rot. In case of rot, check for the moisture content of the affected area. Provide proper drainage and air circulation. In case of severe damage, remove the infected area.
Propagation of Victoria bird nest fern
The most common method of propagation is through spores. The spores can be collected from mature leaves. The spores are grown on a moist mix in a cold, shady place. Water them regularly to maintain moisture. The plants can be transplanted ones they grow enough to survive as an individual plant.
