Green spleenwort
Asplenium viride · Aspleniaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant green spleenwort: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Asplenium viride
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15°C
- Origin
- Europe, temperate Asia, North Africa
- Soil type
- Rich in organic matter, well-draining
Care
Watering
Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water from above regularly, ideally with soft or distilled water. Reduce the frequency slightly in winter, but never let the substrate dry out completely. A humid atmosphere is beneficial: mist the foliage lightly several times a week.
Light and exposure
Place your green spleenwort in indirect light, away from direct sun rays that would scorch the delicate fronds. It appreciates shaded to semi-shaded locations, such as near a north or east-facing window. Avoid dry, heated areas or those exposed to warm drafts.
Soil and substrate
Use a substrate rich in organic matter, light and well-draining, such as leaf mold mixed with perlite or cork. Adding peat moss promotes moisture retention and structure. Make sure the pot has sufficient drainage holes to prevent root asphyxiation.
Pruning and maintenance
Gently remove dead or damaged fronds at the base to encourage new growth. No formal pruning is necessary. Occasionally clean the foliage with a soft, damp brush to remove dust without damaging the delicate texture of the pinnules.
Fertilizer
Apply a light, diluted fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season (spring-summer). Prefer a balanced formulation or one slightly higher in nitrogen. In autumn and winter, reduce or stop fertilizing, as growth slows considerably.
Pests and common issues
Monitor regularly for mealybugs and spider mites, which thrive in dry environments. Air that is too dry or poor humidity causes frond browning. Generally very tolerant, but avoid overly concentrated fertilizers that can burn delicate tissues.
Did you know?
The green spleenwort is a calcicole fern, preferring slightly alkaline or neutral substrates, which allows it to often thrive in cracks in limestone or mountain rocks. Its name evokes its particularly bright pale green hue in spring. Once used in traditional medicine, its fronds symbolized fragility and delicacy in many European cultures.
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
- Asplenium quadrivalensAsplenium quadrivalens
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.