Bird’s Nest Fern-Why are the Leaves Curling and Turning Brown?
Dear Judy,
This plant was part of a funeral arrangement and as the plants did well and got too large for the container, I split them up.
I haven’t been able to identify this plant. It also has some issue with the leaves, like something eating it. I have not seen any insects on the plant and none of the other plants that were in the arrangement look like this. They are all doing well with no disease.
Thank you for your help!
Leslie
Michigan
Hi Leslie,
Your plant is called a Bird’s Nest Fern. These plants usually get distorted leaves when they are over fertilized. How often are you feeding the plant? A Bird’s Nest Fern should be fed once or twice in the spring and summer when the fern is actively growing. Never feed the plant in the winter or fall. Over-fertilization causes more problems than never fertilizing at all. When you do feed the plant, use a balanced plant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. If you agree that this might be the problem, take the plant out of the pot, rinse the roots with clear water, and repot in new fresh soil. Cut off the damaged leaves and don’t feed the plant again until the summer. Let me know if you don’t think this is the problem and I’ll make some other suggestions.
You can read all my care tips for a Bird’s Nest Fern in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.