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The Hurricane Fern, scientifically known as Asplenium antiquum 'Hurricane', is a captivating and unique variety of bird’s nest fern. This fern is named for its rosette of wavy, spiraled fronds that resemble the swirling patterns of a hurricane. It's a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and relatively low maintenance requirements.
Hurricane Fern Care Guide & presentation
This fern thrives in indirect light and can tolerate low-light conditions, making it ideal for indoor environments. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate fronds.
The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
The Hurricane Fern prefers medium to high humidity levels. Regular misting or placing the plant on a humidity tray can help maintain the necessary moisture levels. Ideal indoor humidity is around 60% or higher.
The Hurricane Fern prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C - 24°C). It can tolerate higher temperatures but should be protected from extreme heat and cold drafts.
Feed the fern with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding during the fall and winter months. Check out Instant Plant Food!
Repot the Hurricane Fern every 2-3 years in spring using a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one to allow for growth
Dust the fronds with a damp cloth or give the plant a gentle shower with lukewarm water once a month to keep the leaves clean and free from dust.
Birds nest fern is very tough to propagate for the average gardener.
If you adventurous and a bit curious, try reproducing your own bird's nest fern by harvesting its spores. The spores are the small rows of brownish, fuzzy spots along the bottom of the leaves. When these spores look fat and fuzzy, trim off the leaf they're on by cutting it down to the bottom of the stem. Delicately set them into a paper plate. Over the next few days, the spores should fall onto the paper plate as they dry.
Afterward, gather several containers of sphagnum moss. Spread the spores over the top surface, and keep them uncovered. Put your pots of moss and spores in a dish of water to bottom soak through the moss. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini "greenhouse" to keep humidity high, or hand-mist the top daily. Keep the temperatures between 70-80 degrees in bright, indirect light.
Germination starts in approximately 2-3 weeks if the humidity is kept high. Once the sprouts have grown, remove the plastic cover. Provide high humidity around the leaves as they grow by using a pebble tray and humidifier.
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Hurricane Bird's Nest Fern: Overview
The Hurrican Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus ‘Hurrican’), also known as the Twisted Bird’s Nest Fern, is a rare and eye-catching variety of bird’s nest fern. It is recognized for its distinctive, curled, and twisted fronds that resemble the eye of a storm. This unique plant belongs to the Aspleniaceae family and is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, making it a perfect porch plant in warmer climates.
This Hurricane Fern plant typically grows up to 2 feet tall and wide. It prefers low to medium indirect light, making it ideal for shady spots indoors. It’s an easy-care plant suitable for beginner gardeners. Hurricane Ferns symbolize resilience and protection due to their hardy, swirling appearance. Like other ferns, it’s non-toxic and pet-friendly, making it a safe choice for homes with pets.
Other ferns include the Heart Leaf Fern, the Staghorn Fern, and the Maidenhair Fern, all of which can add variety to your fern collection.
Hurricane Bird's Nest Fern: Benefits
- Purifies the air, improving indoor air quality
- Adds a tropical and exotic aesthetic appeal to any space
- Symbolic meaning in Feng Shui, representing resilience and positive energy
- Easy to care for, making it ideal for beginners
- Pet-friendly, safe for homes with animals
Hurricane Fern: Care Guide
The Twisted Bird’s Nest Fern is a low-maintenance plant, perfect for beginner plant owners. Its wavy, twisted fronds add a unique look and thrive in the right conditions with minimal effort.
Watering & Humidity
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid letting the plant sit in water, as it can lead to root rot. This fern enjoys high humidity, so consider misting it regularly or placing it near a humidifier, especially in drier environments.
Light & Temperature
The Hurricane Fern prefers indirect, medium light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. It thrives in temperatures between 50-85°F and dislikes drafts or extreme temperature changes.
Soil & Repotting
Use a well-draining, rich, peat-based potting mix to keep the roots healthy. Repot the fern every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its container. Use a pot with good drainage to prevent excess moisture retention.
Feeding & Propagation
Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. The hurricane fern can be propagated through division when repotting, ensuring each section has roots and fronds.
Pruning, Cleaning & Common Issues
Remove any yellowing or damaged fronds to maintain its aesthetic. Common issues include browning tips due to low humidity or overexposure to light. Wipe the fronds with a damp cloth to remove dust, keeping them clean and allowing for better air purification.
Twisted Bird's Nest Fern: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants
With its unique spiral fronds, the Hurricane Bird’s Nest Fern is a versatile plant that can complement various indoor spaces and decor styles. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a novice indoor gardener, this fern makes a fantastic addition to your collection.
Best Locations & Uses
- Suitable for plant lovers with pets, as it’s non-toxic.
- It is ideal for experienced indoor gardeners who appreciate rare and tropical plants.
- A perfect choice for office or bedroom spaces where low-maintenance plants are needed.
- Great as a porch plant in warmer climates, where indirect light is available.
- A thoughtful gift for plant lovers, offering both aesthetic appeal and air-purifying benefits.
Companion Plants
Companion plants for the Hurricane Bird's Nest Fern can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your indoor garden while sharing similar care needs.
- Vriesea Bromeliad (Vriesea splendens): The Vriesea Bromeliad perfectly complements the tropical vibe of the fern and thrives in similar humidity levels.
- Flamingo Flower (Anthurium spp.): Known for its striking red blooms, the Flamingo Flower adds a pop of color and pairs well with the fern in shaded or indirect light conditions.
- Hindu Hoya Rope Plant (Hoya carnosa 'Compacta'): The unique, waxy-leafed Hindu Hoya Rope Plant makes a great companion, sharing the same easy-care requirements while being perfect for hanging displays.
Alternative Plants
If you're looking for alternative plants to the Hurricane Bird's Nest Fern, here are three excellent choices available on Lively Root, sharing similar aesthetics and care needs:
- Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum diversifolium): A pet-friendly fern with lush green fronds, the Kangaroo Fern is known for its air-purifying properties and easy-care nature, perfect for low-light areas.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): The Boston Fern is another pet-safe, air-purifying fern with graceful, arching fronds, ideal for humid spaces like bathrooms or kitchens.
- Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Lemon Button’): The compact Lemon Button Fern has small, round leaves and thrives in similar light and moisture conditions, perfect for tabletops or hanging baskets.
Transform Your Interior With a Hurricane Fern From Lively Root
Transform your home into a lush, tropical haven with a Hurricane Bird's Nest Fern from Lively Root — order yours today!
