Maidenhair spleenwort
Asplenium trichomanes · Aspleniaceae
📷 Johan N · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant maidenhair spleenwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, finely divided
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm tall
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Hardy (down to −15 °C)
- Origin
- Temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, and America
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich in organic matter, slightly moist
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Asplenium trichomanes loves damp shade and thrives in rock crevices or north-facing walls. Unlike many ferns, it tolerates limestone.
The common mistake
Direct watering of foliage or poorly drained soil encourages rot.
The pro's trick
Plant it vertically on a shaded wall or in a hanging pot: that's its natural habitat (saxicolous fern).
Care
Light
This fern prefers part shade or light shade. Place it away from direct sunlight, which can dry out its delicate foliage. Indoors, a north-facing window or a bright corner without direct sun is ideal. It tolerates shaded environments very well, typical of woodland understories.
Watering
Keep the substrate regularly moist, but never waterlogged. Water moderately during the growing season (spring-summer) and reduce slightly in winter. Mist the foliage regularly to maintain ambient humidity, as this fern appreciates a moist atmosphere. Use non-limey water if possible.
Soil and substrate
Use specialized fern potting soil or a light mix of leaf mold and peat. Ensure very good drainage to prevent root rot. Adding fine sand or perlite improves substrate aeration.
Pruning and cleaning
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove dried or damaged fronds at the base with clean scissors. Regularly clean the leaves by running a damp finger over them to remove dust and promote photosynthesis.
Fertilizing
Apply diluted, balanced fertilizer (low NPK) once a month during the growing season (April to September). Ferns are moderately hungry feeders: light fertilization is sufficient. Avoid excess fertilizer, which damages delicate fronds.
Diseases and pests
This fern is generally resistant. Watch for spider mites and scale insects in dry environments. Excess moisture can promote rot: improve ventilation and reduce watering. Isolate the plant if you notice any pests.
Did you know?
Asplenium trichomanes, whose name evokes its resemblance to hair (from Greek 'trichos'), was once used in folk medicine and herbalism to treat various ailments. This small fern is a 'living fossil': it has existed for over 100 million years and is found naturally in crevices of rocks and old walls, where it colonizes mossy joints with remarkable tenacity.
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
- Hart's-tongue fernAsplenium scolopendrium
- Wall rueAsplenium ruta-muraria
- Black spleenwortAsplenium adiantum-nigrum
- Asplenium ceterachAsplenium ceterach
- Green spleenwortAsplenium viride
- Asplenium quadrivalensAsplenium quadrivalens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.