Asplenium aka Spleenwort

Taxonomy

Genus Asplenium Family Aspleniaceae Order Polypodiales Class Polypodiopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Asplenium is a genus of about 700 species of ferns, often considered the only genus in the family Aspleniaceae. However, some authors argue that Hymenasplenium should be treated separately due to molecular analysis, chromosome count, and structural differences in the rhizomes. The genus's type species is Asplenium marinum. The most common vernacular name for Asplenium is spleenworts, which is applied to the more "typical" species. One notable species is Asplenium nidus, also known as the bird's nest fern, which is a tender evergreen fern with attractive divided foliage. Another tropical Asplenium species found in cultivation is Asplenium bulbiferum, often referred to as the spleenwort or mother fern. However, it is more challenging to grow and looks different from its cousin. Asplenium ferns are naturally epiphytic, meaning they grow on the surface of other plants. In their rainforest habitats, they can be found growing high in the crooks of trees. These ferns have erect, spoon-shaped fronds of apple color that rise from a central rosette. While healthy plants can have fronds up to 3 feet long, this is rare in most indoor situations. Overall, Asplenium ferns are beautiful plants that require some care to thrive.

Common names

Spleenwort, Austral Gem Fern, Chrissy Fern, Bird's Nest Fern Crissie, Crissie Fern

How to care for Spleenwort

Difficulty

Caring for Spleenwort is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Soil

Spleenwort is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Austral Gem Fern is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Austral Gem Fern with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Spleenwort with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Spleenwort prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Spleenwort grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Spleenwort’s native range is Worldwide.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Asplenium Genus

Asplenium lyallii Asplenium Lyallii

Asplenium flabellifolium Butterfly Fern

Asplenium antiquum Tani Watari

Asplenium appendiculatum Ground Spleenwort

Asplenium bulbiferum gracillimum Hen And Chicken Fern

Asplenium dimorphum

Asplenium bipartitum

Asplenium pinnatifidum Lobed Spleenwort

Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort

Asplenium radicans Dullgreen Spleenwort