Also known as Spleenwort · 208 saves
Asplenium
Asplenium, the genus most gardeners know as spleenwort. We track 9 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 9 most-saved Asplenium varieties
2 species of Asplenium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Asplenium in Sow
Save the Asplenium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Asplenium
Whats common across all Asplenium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them.
The Asplenium year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March89% of varieties
Remove any brown or damaged fronds before new growth starts
- MulchMarch and April67% of varieties
Maintain a layer of leaf mold or organic mulch to retain moisture
- PlantMarch, April, September and October56% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall, ensuring good drainage and shade
- DivideMarch, April and September56% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if overcrowded
- FertilizeMarch44% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer once in early spring
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Place in shaded or partial sun areas
- Divide in early spring if overgrown
- Plant in shade with good drainage 🌱
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
What goes wrong with Asplenium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing fronds | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Aphids | Sticky residue on fronds | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Slugs and snails | Ragged holes in unfurling new fronds | Clear damp hiding places nearby; hand-pick after rain |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on fronds | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues reported | Ensure good drainage and air movement |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on fronds | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
Making more Asplenium
Division
- Lift established clumps in early spring.
- Separate crowns carefully, keeping roots intact.
- Replant at the same depth and water in.
Spores
- Collect spores in late spring
- Place spores on moist soil surface
- Maintain humidity for 6 weeks
- Keep soil moist and shaded
Asplenium questions
How many types of Asplenium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Asplenium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 208 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Asplenium grow in?
Across its varieties, Asplenium covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Asplenium bloom?
Most Asplenium varieties bloom in late fall, early spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Asplenium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.