The Story of Bird's Nest Fern

Dr.N.K. MANOHARAN

Welcome once again to the LeftechIndia Blog, I am Dr. Manoharan, today I will tell you a story. There is such a thing, before going into the story, one important thing, if you haven't followed this blog yet. Don't forget to follow now. It is very beautiful to look at. In this blog, we look at the most fascinating aspects of a plant, which is not only a visual beauty, but also a symbol of tropical beauty. The name of this plant is Bird's Nest Fern, or scientifically Asplenium Nidus. 

"Now let's go to the story. Once upon a time, there was a lush and dense forest. It was a forest filled with many animals, plants, rivers, mountains, and huge rock formations. The sunlight filtered down through the thick canopy of the rainforest, shaded by huge trees, and so on. There, in a certain place, a plant with a very strange shape was preparing to grow. Because there was an environment that was most suitable for that particular plant. The air was thick with moisture, and hidden somewhere between the huge trees that lined up in the dense forest, the fierce roars of the wild animals and the tumultuous sounds of the flocks of birds flying in the tree branches echoed everywhere, an awful atmosphere! In the heart of this rainforest, a young Bird's Nest Fern named Fernley sprouted from under a towering giant tree. Fernley was no ordinary fern; He had a certain magical beauty that set him apart from others. His branches spread out gracefully, creating a perfectly circular nest that cradled the raindrops and falling snow, creating a small, sparkling pool in the center.

Fernley had a dream - to become the most magnificent bird's nest fern in the entire rainforest. Every day, he stretches his stems a little higher to reach the sunlight that filters through the dense vegetation above. Absorbing nutrients from the rich soil beneath his feet and gathering enough moisture from the air, he grew stronger and more beautiful to behold with each passing day. As Fernley grew up, he became a haven for the various creatures of the rainforest. Small insects sought shelter within his branches, birds perched on his lush foliage and used his nest as a safe place to build their own home. Fernley welcomed them wholeheartedly, realizing that all living things play a critical role in the delicate balance of the rainforest ecosystem. Then one day, a family of colorful birds flew there and saw the vibrant Fernley and, attracted by its beauty and the security it offered, decided to make it their home. Then they flew around him several times, turning and turning, then slowly weaving twigs and leaves, they built their nest, thus creating a comfortable shelter. Fernley was overjoyed to be a part of such a wonderful community, watching the birds raise their young with love and care. Seasons passed one by one, and Fernley became stronger and more beautiful. His circular nest became a symbol of harmony and harmony in the rainforest. All the other plants and animals gathered around him, attracted by the positive energy emanating from his flourishing stems. In the heart of these rainforests, the Bird's Nest Fern not only fulfilled its dream of becoming the greatest fern, but also became a symbol of the unity, coexistence and interconnectedness of all living things. As those rainforests thrived, so did Fernley, a testament to the magic that can be found in the simplest of things. With its broad, glossy stems and distinctive nest-like shape, the Bird's Nest Fern is a showstopper in the houseplant world. Originally from tropical regions such as Southeast Asia, these ferns have made their way into homes and gardens around the world. It probably brings a touch of the rainforest to your living space. These plants require relatively little maintenance. But Asplenium nidus can be propagated by several methods, including division, seed propagation and seedlings. Bird's nest ferns produce spores at the base of their stems. Collect these mature stems with seeds at the base. Leave these stems in a paper bag to dry for a few days. Gradually the seeds will fall into this bag. Plant these seeds in a tray of sterile potting mix. Use only well-drained potting mix, such as a mixture of peat moss, perlite and orchid bark. . Avoid over watering. Bird's nest ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as this can cause the stems to burn. Second, keep the temperature and humidity around 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil moist and not waterlogged. It is advisable to use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted at half strength every 4 or 6 weeks during the growing season. But excessive fertilization should be avoided. Repotting is usually required in the spring every 2 or 3 years. Monitor regularly for infestation. It is very important to treat pests like scale or mealybugs immediately with any insecticide or soap or neem oil. Before watering, check the soil moisture. If the top inch feels slightly dry, it's time to water. If possible, use well water or rainwater, as birds' nest ferns are sensitive to chemicals found in tap water. Sometimes this plant has a brown color, some of the common causes of browning are mainly overwatering. Another is that direct sunlight can cause the stalks to burn and turn brown. Trim these stems close to the base to maintain the shape of the fern. One very important thing to note when watering the plant is to avoid the center of the plant and only water the soil directly below it, avoiding getting water in the center of the rosette. Otherwise, it can cause fungal problems. Cut off yellow or damaged stems with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This helps redirect the plant's energy towards healthy growth. Watch for pests such as scale insects or spider mites. If found, treat immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil.