Black spleenwort
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum · Aspleniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant black spleenwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, triangular to oval, finely divided, dark green
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Europe, North Africa, Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, slightly chalky, rich in humus
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate consistently moist but without waterlogging. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), reducing slightly in winter. Prefer light misting to increase atmospheric humidity, which this fern particularly appreciates.
Light exposure
Place the black maidenhair fern in indirect light or partial shade. It tolerates shaded areas but develops better with moderate light. Avoid direct sun rays which can burn the delicate foliage.
Pruning and cleaning
Regularly remove dead or damaged fronds at the base to encourage the formation of new leaves. Simply cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth is enough to maintain the beauty of the foliage.
Soil and substrate
Use a well-draining mixture made up of potting soil, perlite and organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. Ensure that drainage is never compromised.
Fertilising
Apply a very diluted balanced fertiliser once or twice a month during the growing period. Ferns have moderate nutritional needs; excessive feeding can damage the rhizoids.
Diseases and pests
Watch out for mealybugs or spider mites if the air is too dry. Insufficient humidity is the main stress factor. Ventilate regularly and maintain a humid atmosphere to prevent infestations.
Did you know?
The black maidenhair fern is one of the rare cosmopolitan ferns, naturally present on several continents. Its name 'adiantum-nigrum' means 'non-wet black' in reference to its fronds which naturally repel water, a fascinating phenomenon that has captivated botanists since ancient times. It has long been used in European folk medicine to treat various respiratory ailments.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Maidenhair spleenwortAsplenium trichomanes
- Hart's-tongue fernAsplenium scolopendrium
- Wall rueAsplenium ruta-muraria
- Asplenium ceterachAsplenium ceterach
- Green spleenwortAsplenium viride
- Asplenium quadrivalensAsplenium quadrivalens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.