I am finding conflicting watering instructions for my birds nest fern. The plant nursery where I got it said let it dry out and water approximately every two weeks, Planta says twice a week, conflicting information on Reddit and the web at large. For background, I’m in Houston (hot and humid, she lives indoors and we keep it about 70-75 degrees and 47-50% humidity.) Guidance appreciated!
I would update all the plant’s stats on Planta. It would give you the most accurate care advice for your environment. The nursery is well meaning but they don’t truly know what your environment temp/humidity is like for your plant.
0 likes
I’d say go with Planta’s advice. They really know plants
0 likesI let about the top inch or 2 of soil dry on mine before watering. Most ferns like to stay a bit more moist
1 like
Bird’s Nest Ferns can dry out a bit more between waterings, just as your nursery recommended, because they’re epiphytes rather than terrestrial ferns like maidenhair ferns. 😊 The Sill has a great Bird’s Nest Fern care video—just Google “The Sill Bird’s Nest Fern care.” Paris, who hosts the video, also leads free online plant workshops through The Sill. They’re very informative, and she always takes time to answer plant questions at the end of each session!
0 likes Thank you - this is helpful! I’ll check out that Sill video as well.
1 likePlanta's advice tends towards overwatering. Go with something between the two recommendations and adjust from there. Also, it's always easier to save a dehydrated plant than a rotting/overwatered one. Ferns also tend to be very thirsty compared to average plants
1 like