Can Bird's Nest House Plants Be in Full Sun?

Outdoor Light Levels

• Finding a suitable location outdoors for bird's nest ferns is tricky because they are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and strong wind as well as sunlight. As epiphytic plants, their natural growing position is in the branches of trees, where they are sheltered from wind and provided with dappled, light shade. Position the plants at the foot of an established tree, or hang them under a sheltered porch, preferably with eastern or northern exposure. Avoid south-facing locations or unshaded west-facing exposures because they often prove too hot for sensitive plants such as bird's nest ferns.

Indoor Light Levels

• Bird's nest ferns perform best indoors when positioned within 3 feet of an east-, west- or north-facing window. West-facing windows, however, often receive intense sunlight during late afternoon in warm climates and should be shaded with sheer curtains to prevent damage to the bird's nest ferns. Alternatively, position the plants diagonally from windows so they are exposed to sunlight without being directly affected by the sun's heat and intensity. Placing indoor bird's nest ferns by south-facing windows must be avoided due to those windows' constant, extreme sunlight exposure. If, however, the southern side of a house is deeply shaded, it will provide the correct conditions for bird's nest ferns.

Growing Conditions

• High humidity and steady temperatures are just as important as light level for bird's nest ferns. Outdoor plants must be positioned in a sheltered spot, away from drying winds, while indoor bird's nest ferns should be shielded from drafts, heating vents and other air currents that affect humidity. Maintain the room temperature at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and move the plants to a warmer spot if nighttime temperatures drop below 55 Fahrenheit because their foliage will develop crispy brown edges if exposed to cold temperatures for too long. Likewise, shelter the plants from very high temperatures because they may wilt in such heat.

Care and Maintenance

• Although picky about their growing conditions, bird's nest ferns are relatively low-maintenance plants once established. They require watering whenever their soil's surface feels dry to the touch; they also need daily misting to keep their foliage clean, hydrated and healthy. Indoor bird's nest ferns perform best when set on a shallow pan filled with pebbles and water or when placed in a well-lit bathroom because both environments supply a constant source of humidity. Feeding the ferns with 15-15-15 fertilizer yearly keeps them lush and healthy, although, in order to prevent root burn, the fertilizer should be applied at one-half the fertilizer package's recommended strength.

Signs of Sun Damage

• When exposed to direct sunlight, bird's nest ferns develop a variety of distinctive signs and symptoms. The most obvious sign of sun damage is yellow foliage and stunted growth, but the shape and texture of the leaves also may change. Slight crinkling or crimping appears along the outer edges of sunlight-affected leaves, and they may develop lobes or protrusions. Moving the plants to a lower light level should eventually restore their leaves' smoothness.