This plant seems to be a humidity diva. It may continue to frustrate you inside. Mine only looks good when the weather is nice enough to have it outside. Definitely doesn't like to dry out.

These do like high humidity, but if you're using tap water the problem could be the quality of the water.

Do you have one tropic brezent? What kind of water do you use? I could try distilled water. I think it is getting enough humidity. It's in a 4 inch pot stuck into a cup with water in the bottom of the cup. (The pot is above the water level). Basically a pebble tray with no pebbles.

I don't think a cup of water can change the humidity around a plant to 90+%, like in a rainforest jungle (or south AL during the summer.) Last winter, I put this plant above our shower but twice-daily clouds of steam weren't enough to keep it looking happy. The winter before, it was equally unhappy in a diff spot, and my house isn't really dry for winter, we don't have central heat. Probably worth trying the alternative water, as suggested. I know my tap has fluoride, chlorination & tons of lime. If you run your A/C, make sure it's not where cold, dry A/C air is blowing on it.

Ok. Well I think all the websites I've read about houseplant care for this plant should quit lying and acting like it's an easy indoor plant and showing pictures of it looking pretty. It's so annoying since that is apparently not the case.

Well said!

I have a couple outdoors and a tiny one in my shade house. The water they get is bore water (underground) so no chemical treatments. But there are some minerals in it, although lime is fairly low. They grow well but very slowly. Rain water would be the ideal for them, but distilled water is okay. Or water from an airconditioning unit as well. From what I hear, the chlorine compounds being put into drinking water these days in some ploaces doesn't break down or dissipate even if left out for several days. It's good to find out what the authorities are putting into your water.

These ferns are easy to take care of, but probably not a good choice for dim rooms where they will dry out between waterings.

Grow them in a bright room but not too near that sunny window. It's essential, with these plants, that you provide an exceptionally coarse textured medium so that you can keep it constantly moist without fear of causing root rot. The typical houseplant potting soil won't work.

As far as humidity goes, I never accomodated mine in any special way. No trays, no misting in my house. But I do not overheat my home in the winter nor do I chill us out in the summer. Both of those bad practices dry the air like crazy!

I'd avoid using BNF if you need something sturdy, a thrives on neglect kind of plant. My guess is that you can't keep the potting medium moist enough in your maintenance schedule.

Yes...do use distilled water for houseplants to avoid chlorine, fluoride.

Here is what the ones I take care of at work look like. And mine at home, too.

Thanks!

I would like to know if I can put my new 10 watts grow lights toward my lady Victoria bird nest fern sometimes

aviolet6, I had the same issue with mine. I've since moved it into a much smaller pot with very fast draining soil, which I believe allowed me to better manage its water requirements. I now water it every other day, without running the risk of over- or under- watering, and haven't noticed any new browning. I also keep it outside during summer.

jewelsouth1, are you asking if the light would be too intense for the fern? I don't think so. I keep my Victoria and Leslie bird's nests outside during summer, where they receive about 2 hours of direct morning sun, and they're doing great.

Yes I wanted to know if the grow lights would be to intense and oh yes thank you for informative information much appreciate