Asplenium obovatum
Asplenium obovatum · Aspleniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant asplenium obovatum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Minimum 10 to 12 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean regions and North Africa
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Family
- Aspleniaceae
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate moist but never waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), reducing slightly in winter. Prefer soft, lukewarm water. Regular misting of the foliage is beneficial to recreate its natural humid environment.
Light
Place the spleenwort in partial shade or dappled light, away from direct sunlight which would scorch the fronds. It appreciates sheltered locations with good air circulation, without direct cold draughts. A north or north-east facing windowsill is ideal.
Soil and substrate
Use a light, well-draining mixture composed of leaf mould, peat (or peat-free substrate) and perlite or fine bark. This fern dreads root asphyxiation and prefers an airy, slightly acidic medium. Repotting every 2 to 3 years will suffice.
Pruning and maintenance
Regularly remove damaged, yellowed or dead fronds at the base to maintain a neat shape. Gently clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. Avoid leaf shine products which suffocate spores.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength every 15 to 20 days during active growth (April to September). In winter, stop fertilizing. Ferns prefer light, regular feeding to heavy concentrations.
Pests and diseases
Watch for mealybugs and red spider mites, which thrive in air that is too dry. Frequent misting reduces these risks. Root rot occurs if water stagnates; ensure adequate drainage and good aeration of the substrate.
Did you know?
The Asplenium genus comprises over 700 fern species, some so small they colonize rock crevices. The obovate spleenwort, with its delicate spatulate fronds, has fascinated botanists for centuries for its ability to adapt to the rocky, humid environments of Mediterranean regions.
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
- Black spleenwortAsplenium adiantum-nigrum
- Asplenium ceterachAsplenium ceterach
- Green spleenwortAsplenium viride
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.