Leslie Birds Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum ‘Leslie’) makes a big impact with its lush, green foliage and wavy form. Wide, strappy fronds will produce rippled ends once it matures, creating an admirable addition to your houseplant collection. Leslie Bird Nest Fern is a large epiphytic plant, native to rainforests in Africa and southern and eastern Asia. It grows on tree branches, in clefts where they thrive on leaf debris, humidity, and filtered light.
Best Locations For Growing Leslie Bird’s Nest Fern
Place Leslie in a warm location with above-average humidity. Avoid direct sunlight, close proximity to air vents, heaters, and cold drafty conditions.
Leslie Bird’s Nest Fern Sunlight Requirements
This fern prefers a bright ambient, light shade environment. If you notice Leslie Birds Nest Fern getting pale leaves, it is likely receiving too much light. During winter, place it in medium indirect light.
Leslie Bird’s Nest Fern Care
Keeping Leslie Birds Nest Fern is easy as long as you are mindful of its basic needs. Environments that remain warm and humid will keep this plant happy and thriving. Leslie also enjoys moist soil and medium indirect light.
Watering Leslie Bird’s Nest Fern
This fern prefers a consistently moist, but not wet growing medium. If growing in soil, allow it to dry out between waterings. If you notice leaves turning brown at the edges, the culprit might be underwatering. Yellowing or wilted leaves can be a sign of overwatering. Check the roots to see if there is rot; if so, clip the mushy ends of the roots and repot your plant.
Feeding Leslie Bird’s Nest Fern
Leslie Birds Nest Fern is a slower-growing plant, so it doesn’t require much feeding. You can apply a water-soluble, foliar fertilizer (such as 20-10-20 NPK) monthly during the spring and summer months. Dilute the formula to half the strength recommended on the label. It is not necessary to fertilize this fern during winter.
Leslie Bird’s Nest Fern Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light
Care Requirements: Easy
Watering Requirements: Average – Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.
