Asplenium
( ass - PLEEN - ee - um )
Asplenium Species and Varietals
The genus Asplenium includes around 700 species of ferns, and is a member of the plant family Aspleniaceae. The best growing zones for Asplenium vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleenwort) These plants are mainly found in Africa, Europe, and Asia, but are also native to Mexico and the United States. Leaf blades are thick and triangular, and reach up to 14 inches tall when mature. Fronds are light green to green, new growth often flushed with golden tones. |
Asplenium antiquum (Bird's Nest Fern, Spleenwort) These plants are native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, where they grow on cliffs, logs and rocks. This is an endangered species in South Korea and Taiwan. Despite its endangered status, however, these are still cultivated as ornamental plants in the nursery trade, and can be grown outdoors year-round in mild climate areas. They are grown as houseplants or greenhouse specimens in cooler climates. Cultivars include 'Crissie', 'Hurricaine' (pictured), 'Leslie', 'Osaka', and 'Victoria'. |
Asplenium australasicum (Bird's Nest Fern, Crow's Nest Fern) This shrubby plant forms a rosette of green to yellow-green fronds that reach between 2 and 3 feet long. They prefer to grow on rocks or as an epiphyte in trees. Many were taken from logged areas, and became popular in the horticultural trade as a result. They are native to Queensland and New South Wales. |
Asplenium bradleyi (Bradley's Spleenwort, Cliff Spleenwort) This rare species of fern is native to east-central North America, and is named for professor Frank Howe Bradley. They produce dark green foliage and have fronds that reach between 2 and 8 inches long when plants are mature. |
Asplenium bulbiferum (Mother Fern, Mother Spleenwort, Hen and Chicken Fern, Pikopiko, Mouku, Mauku) This species of Asplenium grows best in zones 15-17 and 20-24, but can be grown indoors. In zone 14, this plant can be planted outdoors if the area is protected. Native to Australia and New Zealand, this fern has graceful, light green fronds that top out around 4 feet tall. The plant grows to 4 feet wide. Produces fernlets that can be dug up and replanted elsewhere. Hardy to 26 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch out for snails and slugs, as they like to take up residence in these ferns. |
Asplenium x ebenoides (Scott's Spleenwort, Dragon Tail Fern, Walking Spleenwort) This hybrid species is native to eastern North America, and are the sterile offspring between Asplenium rhizophyllum and Asplenium platyneuron. These small evergreen ferns grow in discrete clumps, and are typically grown as ornamentals in greenhouses and gardens. They prefer medium light and high humidity. |
Asplenium flabellifolium (Necklace Fern, Butterfly Fern, Walking Fern) These small ferns are native to Australia and New Zealand, and the species was first described by Spanish botanist Antonio Jose Cavanilles. They typically grow from the ground, but can be epiphytic or grow in rock crevices. Fronds reach between 4 and 8 inches long with fan-shaped leaflets. |
Asplenium nidus (Bird's Nest Fern, Nest Fern) This species is native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii, Polynesia, India, and eastern Africa. Fronds reach between 4 and 8 inches long and are green. Midribs are dark brown to black in color. Central fronds are upright, and outer ones tend to rest on the soil surface. |
Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart's Tongue Fern) This variety of Asplenium grows best in zones 2b-9 and 14-24. Native to Europe and the Eastern United States, this is an odd-looking specimen fern with undivided, strap-like leaves. It grows to form a clump around 2 feet wide, and there are many varieties to collect, with varying shapes, colors, and leaf divisions. These plants need humus soil, amended with limestone chips if the soil is acidic. Hard to grow where water quality is poor. These are great for woodland or rock gardens as well as containers, where they can remain in the same pot for years. |
Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) This species has delicate foliage and is native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. They grow best in zones 2-9, 14-24, H1 and H2, and get to 6 inches tall and 8 inches wide. Fronds are bright green and round. These ferns prefer alkaline conditions, so amend soil with limestone chips if necessary. Great for crevices in walls or for shaded rock gardens. |
Caring for Asplenium
Some ferns, including some cultivars of Asplenium x lucrosum, will make miniature replicas on the fronds of the parent plants (Bulbils) which can be rooted easily in the right conditions.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 175, Asplenium
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