Aspleniaceae
Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes)
Asplenium trichomanes
Grow this slow-growing, cold-hardy fern (USDA zones 5 to 8) in part to full shade with consistently moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil that leans neutral to alkaline. It tolerates chalky and rocky soils exceptionally well and stays largely free of pests and diseases when air circulation is good and the crown is not left waterlogged.
Every 5 days
Low light
10° - 24°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Maidenhair Spleenwort?
Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) is a easy-care plant from the Aspleniaceae family. Asplenium trichomanes, commonly known as maidenhair spleenwort, is a small evergreen fern in the Aspleniaceae family. It forms neat rosettes of slender fronds lined with tiny, rounded, bright green leaflets attached to glossy black stems. Native to rocky, shaded habitats across the Northern Hemisphe...
Maidenhair Spleenwort grows up to 20cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 5 days, 10°C – 24°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Maidenhair Spleenwort tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Maidenhair Spleenwort is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 10 days.
How to Care for Maidenhair Spleenwort?
TLDR: Maidenhair Spleenwort needs Low light, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 10-24°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Maidenhair Spleenwort?
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy, watering roughly once or twice a week in the growing season and less often in cooler months. Avoid letting the rootball dry out completely.
How Much Light Does Maidenhair Spleenwort Need?
Place in dappled or full shade, such as a north or east facing spot; direct sun scorches the delicate fronds.
What Is the Best Soil for Maidenhair Spleenwort?
Use a well-draining, humus-rich mix with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; adding limestone chips or grit mimics its natural rock crevice habitat and improves drainage.
What Pot Should You Use for Maidenhair Spleenwort?
A shallow terracotta or unglazed clay pot with ample drainage holes suits its shallow root system and helps prevent waterlogging.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 3 days
What Is Maidenhair Spleenwort and Where Does It Come From?
Asplenium trichomanes, commonly known as maidenhair spleenwort, is a small evergreen fern in the Aspleniaceae family. It forms neat rosettes of slender fronds lined with tiny, rounded, bright green leaflets attached to glossy black stems. Native to rocky, shaded habitats across the Northern Hemisphere and tropical mountains, it naturally colonizes crevices in limestone walls, rock outcrops, and stone masonry, making it a charming, low-maintenance choice for shaded gardens, terrariums, and rockeries.
How to Propagate Maidenhair Spleenwort?
Division
Avoid dividing very small or young plants, as sections need enough roots to establish successfully.
- 1 In spring, carefully lift an established clump from its pot or crevice.
- 2 Gently separate the rhizome into sections, each with roots and a few fronds attached.
- 3 Replant each division immediately into moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil.
- 4 Keep newly divided plants shaded and evenly moist until new growth appears.
Materials needed:
Spore propagation
Sterilize all equipment and medium to prevent mold from outcompeting the slow-germinating spores.
- 1 Collect ripe spores from the underside of mature fronds in mid to late summer.
- 2 Sow spores thinly onto the surface of sterile, moist growing medium.
- 3 Cover the container to maintain high humidity and place in bright, indirect light.
- 4 Keep consistently moist for several months until tiny prothalli and then young ferns develop.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Maidenhair Spleenwort Grow?
TLDR: Maidenhair Spleenwort can reach up to 20cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
20cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Maidenhair Spleenwort?
TLDR: Maidenhair Spleenwort is susceptible to 3 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Fun Facts
The genus name Asplenium comes from the Greek for without a spleen, referencing an old belief that the fern could treat spleen ailments.
In the wild it thrives tucked into cracks of limestone walls and rock outcrops, needing very little soil to survive.
Its fronds keep their color year round, making it one of the few truly evergreen ferns for temperate rock gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Asplenium trichomanes toxic to cats or dogs?
How much light does maidenhair spleenwort need?
Why are the fronds turning brown?
How do I propagate maidenhair spleenwort?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Asplenium trichomanes | BBC Gardeners World Magazine
- Asplenium trichomanes - Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
- Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) - Gardenia.net
- Plant FAQs: Asplenium Trichomanes - Maidenhair Spleenwort
- Asplenium trichomanes: care, cultivation and secrets of the maidenhair fern
