The Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) is a captivating houseplant recognized for its broad, glossy green fronds that emerge from a central rosette, resembling a bird’s nest. Mounting involves attaching the plant to a surface like wood or bark, showcasing it as living wall art.
Why Mount a Bird’s Nest Fern
Mounting a Bird’s Nest Fern mimics its natural growth as an epiphyte, attaching to trees or rocks and deriving moisture and nutrients from the air. This method promotes better air circulation around roots compared to traditional potting. This display method transforms the plant into a unique piece of living art, enhancing interior decor. Additionally, mounting can be an effective space-saving solution, allowing plants to occupy vertical wall space rather than horizontal surfaces.
Mounting Your Bird’s Nest Fern
To mount your Bird’s Nest Fern, gather the necessary materials: a mounting board such as cork bark or a piece of rot-resistant wood, sphagnum moss, fishing line or floral wire, and the fern itself. If you plan to hang the mounted fern, drill a hole in the top of the wood mount and attach a heavy-gauge wire or hook before securing the plant. Prepare the fern by removing it from its container and shaking off excess soil from its roots.
Wrap sphagnum moss around the fern’s root ball, ensuring all roots are covered. Position the moss-wrapped fern onto your mounting board, with the roots resting against the wood. Begin wrapping the fishing line or floral wire tightly around the moss and the fern, securing it firmly to the board. Continue wrapping multiple times, crisscrossing the line to ensure the fern is stable and held snugly against the mount. Once the fern is securely attached, tuck in any loose or excess moss to create a tidy appearance.
Caring for Your Mounted Bird’s Nest Fern
Watering a mounted Bird’s Nest Fern differs from caring for potted plants, as mounted ferns tend to dry out more quickly. The most effective method is to soak the entire mount in a sink or bucket of room-temperature water for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sphagnum moss to become fully saturated. After soaking, allow excess water to drain completely before re-hanging the fern to prevent rot. While misting can supplement humidity, it should not replace thorough soaking, and avoid letting water pool in the fern’s central “nest” to prevent rot.
Bird’s Nest Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat. An east or north-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning light or consistent filtered light. Direct sunlight can scorch their fronds, leading to discoloration or damage. High humidity (ideally 50-80%) is also beneficial for these tropical ferns; increase it by grouping plants, using a humidity tray with pebbles and water, or employing a small humidifier. During the growing season (spring through early fall), fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter months.
Troubleshooting Common Mounted Fern Problems
Mounted Bird’s Nest Ferns can exhibit specific issues. If the fronds appear dry or crispy, it usually indicates insufficient watering or low humidity. Regular, thorough soaking of the mount and increasing ambient humidity levels can help mitigate this problem. Conversely, a mushy base or rotting leaves suggest overwatering or water accumulating in the fern’s crown. Ensure proper drainage after soaking and avoid pouring water directly into the center rosette.
Lack of growth or pale leaves may signal inadequate light or nutrient deficiencies. Relocate the fern to a brighter spot with indirect light, and ensure consistent fertilization during the growing season with a diluted plant food. Bird’s Nest Ferns can occasionally encounter common houseplant pests like scale or mealybugs. Inspect the plant regularly, and if pests are detected, they can often be treated by wiping them away with a tissue moistened with rubbing alcohol or applying insecticidal soap.