Hurricane Fern Care: How to Grow This Swirling Fern

The Hurricane Fern (Asplenium antiquum ‘Hurricane’) is a cultivated variety of the Bird’s Nest Fern, distinguished by bright green fronds that grow in a swirling, cyclone-like pattern from a central rosette. This sculptural growth makes it a striking addition to indoor plant collections. Developed in the Netherlands, its unique appearance has made it a popular choice for adding visual interest to a home.

Hurricane Fern Care Essentials

Light

This plant thrives in medium to bright indirect light. An ideal location is near a north or east-facing window, which provides gentle morning light. Direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon, will scorch the delicate fronds, causing brown spots that will not heal. While the fern can tolerate lower light conditions, its growth may be slower and less robust.

Water

The soil should be kept evenly moist, similar to a well-wrung sponge. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is important to water the soil around the base of the plant and avoid pouring water directly into the central rosette. Water collecting in the rosette can lead to crown rot.

When watering, drench the soil until water escapes through the drainage holes, but do not let the pot sit in standing water. This prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. You can gauge hydration by its leaves; shiny fronds indicate it is well-watered, while a dull appearance suggests it is thirsty. During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows.

Soil

A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is recommended for the Hurricane Fern. This type of medium retains moisture while allowing excess water to drain, mimicking its natural epiphytic habitat. You can use a standard indoor potting mix amended with perlite to enhance drainage. An orchid mix also serves as an excellent substrate.

Temperature and Humidity

The Hurricane Fern flourishes in warm and humid conditions, preferring temperatures between 60 and 85°F (15-29°C). Keep the fern away from cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations from open windows or vents. These can cause the tips of the fronds to turn brown.

This fern appreciates high humidity. If your home has dry air, you may need to provide supplemental humidity. You can do this by misting the plant, placing it on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier. Bathrooms and kitchens are often naturally humid spaces where these ferns do well.

Fertilizer

The Hurricane Fern is not a heavy feeder. Feed your fern about once a month from spring through summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. If no new leaves are forming, the plant does not require fertilization. Suspend feeding during the fall and winter when growth slows.

Pruning and Maintenance

This fern requires little pruning. The primary maintenance task is removing any fronds that have turned yellow or brown. Using clean, sterile scissors, snip off these old leaves at the base where they emerge from the central rosette. This grooming maintains the plant’s appearance and directs energy toward new growth. This process is for health reasons, not for shaping the plant’s form. You can also wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, but avoid chemical leaf shine products.

Repotting Your Hurricane Fern

Repotting is an infrequent but necessary task. You will know it is time to repot when the plant becomes root-bound, when water runs straight through the soil, or when growth slows. The best time to repot is during the spring or summer growing season.

Select a new container that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one. This prevents the soil from staying wet for too long. Gently remove the fern from its old pot, being careful not to damage the root ball or central nest. Place the plant in its new container, fill with fresh potting mix, and water it thoroughly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Yellowing fronds at the base of the plant are a sign of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Pests are not a common problem, but they can attract scale or mealybugs. If you spot these, treat the plant with insecticidal soap. A less common issue is the loss of the characteristic swirl in the foliage. This can happen as the plant matures or if it receives uneven light. To maintain its cyclonic shape, rotate the plant regularly.