Asplenium nidus

Spring-Summer · Indoors

Feed with houseplant food

Use a balanced house plant feed that has been diluted so it is half strength. Feed the plant monthly with this from May until August.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water to keep soil moist

Water regularly, but do not leave the plant sodden or with water in a saucer at its feet. It likes to be dry during the winter months.

Spring-Summer · Outdoors

Feed with houseplant food

Use a balanced house plant feed that has been diluted so it is half strength. Feed the plant monthly with this from May until August.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth.

Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Winter-Spring · Indoors

Water lightly in winter

The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.

The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.

Winter · Outdoors

Water sparingly during dormancy

In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.

When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.

Indoors

Water with rain water

This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.

Outdoors

Water with rain water

This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.

Outdoors

Protect the base from rotting

Assist free drainage and prevent the base of the plant rotting by using lime, granite chips or fine horticultural grit round the base of the plant on top of the soil.

Compost · Planting

Loam based compost for repotting

Repot using any good quality standard compost.

Alternatively prepare a special compost that is best suited to the plant's needs: mix equal amounts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3), leaf mould, bark and grit.

Indoor temperature · Planting

10C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in indirect light indoors

Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.