Hart's-tongue fern
Asplenium scolopendrium · Aspleniaceae
📷 Erwin Gruber from Frohnleiten, Österreich, Steiermark · CC BY-SA 2.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hart's-tongue fern: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Plant type
- Fern
- Adult size
- 30 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Grow Hart's tongue fern like its cousin Polypodium: rich, well-draining soil, moderate humidity in shade. It prefers fibrous potting mix (fine bark, composted leaves).
The common mistake
Don't drown it in stagnant water or expose it to bright light: the petioles and leaf base become translucent and rot.
The pro's trick
Prepare a very airy substrate with fibrous potting mix, fine bark, and perlite.
Care
Light
Hart's tongue thrives in shade or partial shade, away from direct sunlight which would scorch its delicate foliage. It appreciates humid and shaded environments, similar to a natural woodland setting. A location near a window without direct sun works perfectly indoors.
Watering
Keep the substrate constantly moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), reducing slightly in autumn-winter. Mist the foliage with soft water to create a humid atmosphere that promotes its well-being.
Soil and substrate
Use a rich, porous, slightly acidic mix: peat, leaf mould and perlite make an excellent base. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Enrich the substrate with well-decomposed compost when planting.
Fertiliser
Apply a balanced diluted fertiliser once or twice a month during the growing season (April to September). Prefer mild formulas suited to foliage plants, respecting recommended dosages. In winter, reduce or stop fertilising.
Pruning and maintenance
Regularly remove damaged, dead or yellowed fronds at the base. Clean the foliage with a damp cloth to remove dust and promote photosynthesis. No drastic pruning is needed; the fern naturally adopts an elegant and compact shape.
Diseases and pests
Hart's tongue is generally robust, but can suffer from stagnant excess moisture causing rot. Watch for red spider mites or scale insects in dry environments. Improve ventilation and humidity to prevent these issues; treat with gentle solutions if infestation occurs.
Did you know?
Hart's tongue gets its name from the singular shape of its lanceolate, smooth and wavy fronds, which resemble an animal's tongue. Admired since antiquity, it adorned Victorian gardens and remains a timeless classic among indoor ferns. In its natural habitat, it colonises damp rocks and old walls, testifying to its remarkable adaptation to inhospitable environments.
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
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.