Asplenium scolopendrium aka Hart's Tongue Fern

Taxonomy

Asplenium scolopendrium, commonly known as the hart's-tongue fern, is an evergreen fern in the family Aspleniaceae that is native to the Northern Hemisphere and is widely distributed in central and southern Europe, eastern Iran, northwestern Africa, Korea, Japan, Sakhalin and eastern North America. It is commonly found in moist, shady areas such as sinkholes, cave entrances, wooded limestone ravines, talus slopes, steep north-facing slopes and spray zones. Hart's tongue fern is a popular houseplant that is easy to grow and requires lots of water and moderate sunlight to thrive. It should be repotted each time it doubles in size and does best in soil that is good at retaining moisture. It belongs to the Asplenium genus and is native to North America, Northern Africa, Western Asia, and Europe.

Common names

Hart's Tongue Fern, Hart's Tongue, Hart's Tonguefern

How to care for Hart's Tongue Fern

Difficulty

Hart's Tongue Fern is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Soil

When growing Hart's Tongue Fern, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Hart's Tongue Fern with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Hart's Tongue Fern from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Hart's Tongue Fern regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Hart's Tongue Fern will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Hart's Tongue Fern 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

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Hart's Tongue Fern is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Hart's Tongue Fern’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia