Asplenium platyneuron aka Ebony Spleenwort
Taxonomy
Asplenium platyneuron, commonly known as ebony spleenwort or brownstem spleenwort, is a compact, evergreen fern native to North America. It has dark reddish-brown, glossy stipe and rachis, supporting a once-divided, pinnate leaf. The fertile fronds are darker green and upright, while the sterile fronds are evergreen and lie flat on the ground. An auricle at the base of each pinna points towards the tip of the frond. This species can reproduce through proliferating buds and spores, allowing for rapid spread and colonization in various habitats. Ebony spleenwort is adaptable to different soil types and pH levels. It can hybridize with other spleenwort species, forming the "Appalachian Asplenium complex". This small fern has pinnate fronds with wing-like pinnae arranged alternately along the stem or rachis. The rhizome is narrow and bears black to dark brown scales. The stipe is shiny reddish-brown or blackish-brown and lacks wings. The leaf blade is linear to narrowly oblanceolate, shiny, and may have scattered hairs.
Common names
Ebony SpleenwortHow to care for Ebony Spleenwort
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Ebony Spleenwort due to its easy-going nature.
Soil
If you're planting Ebony Spleenwort, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Ebony Spleenwort is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Ebony Spleenwort will thrive!
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Ebony Spleenwort prefers bright diffused 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
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
The Ebony Spleenwort is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
The Ebony Spleenwort displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.
Region of origin
Ebony Spleenwort’s native range is Worldwide.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Asplenium Genus
Asplenium richardii Asplenium Richardii
Asplenium oblongifolium Shining Spleenwort
Asplenium bulbiferum Hen And Chickens
Asplenium scolopendrium Hart's Tongue Fern
Asplenium fontanum Fountain Spleenwort
Asplenium bulbiferum gracillimum Hen And Chicken Fern
Asplenium nidus Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium dimorphum
Asplenium appendiculatum Ground Spleenwort
