---
title: "I bought a bird’s nest fern over a month ago, and now it's starting…"
description: "I bought a bird’s nest fern over a month ago, and now it's starting to develop brown spots on the leaves. I didn’t know that you’re not supposed to water the…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/Og5yOWxSeEWaWfu698HPDO"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "KS"
published: "2025-03-21T21:42:33.352991Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/goQYtY69muD94Krn2wzX-AKJUN-svOPdlH6BD7Cj810/n4uDVPHISlyTDml545DxNw.webp?size=large"
---

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# I bought a bird’s nest fern over a month ago, and now it's starting…

_Posted by KS on 2025-03-21_

I bought a bird’s nest fern over a month ago, and now it's starting to develop brown spots on the leaves. I didn’t know that you’re not supposed to water the nest, but it still looks healthy. What am I doing wrong? I also realized that I overwatered it a few times and haven’t done so since. What am I doing wrong and can do to make the leaves healthy again?

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/goQYtY69muD94Krn2wzX-AKJUN-svOPdlH6BD7Cj810/n4uDVPHISlyTDml545DxNw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/goQYtY69muD94Krn2wzX-AKJUN-svOPdlH6BD7Cj810/GRzkAzUqRPOJrFVSyzRjDg.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Colleen commented on 2025-03-21

I have this plant. Some brown spots are normal but that does look a bit stressed. Don’t over water. Let the soil dry out.

#### KS replied on 2025-03-21

Thank you Colleen. And another question does the nest look healthy?

#### Colleen replied on 2025-03-21

I think so! The brown spot should grow out. It’s a pretty hardy plant. I use a liquid fertilizer like every 3 waterings.

I also use a hydrometer (they are cheap). Do t water until it’s towards the dry side of the meter.

#### Colleen replied on 2025-03-21

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/vWHcnSJGfX0MFmM2WdZGtkAJKPqen3mEP8jSN36-QOc/DtmfCdhYSVWmlzFU-IYC0A.webp?size=large)

### KS commented on 2025-03-22

Thank you 😊

### Makis commented on 2026-07-21

Just quick tip, your best is looking a bit dark, don’t water the nest 💕  
I did that with mine at the beginning and thank god this plant is so resilient! If you change the water schedule and keep the nest dry, it will recover amazingly quick!

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