Also known as Spleenwort · 181 gardener saves
Asplenium: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Asplenium, the genus most gardeners know as spleenwort. We track 8 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 8 most-saved Asplenium varieties
Of 8 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedHart's Tongue Fern
Asplenium scolopendrium 'Cristatum'
#2 most savedMaidenhair Spleenwort
Asplenium trichomanes
#3 most savedBrunswick Giant Ebony Spleenwort
Asplenium platyneuron 'Brunswick Giant'
Walking Fern
Asplenium rhizophyllum
Hart's Tongue Fern
Asplenium scolopendrium
Ulleung Island Hart's-tongue Fern
Asplenium scolopendrium 'Ulleung Island'
Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium x ebenoides
Robust Male Hart's Tongue Fern
Asplenium scolopendrium 'Robust Male'
How to grow Asplenium
What the Asplenium varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Asplenium year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Remove any brown or damaged fronds before new growth starts
- MulchMarch and April75% of varieties
Maintain a layer of leaf mold or organic mulch to retain moisture
- PlantMarch, April, September and October63% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall, ensuring good drainage and shade
- DivideMarch, April and September63% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if overcrowded
- FertilizeMarch50% 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
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
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 |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on fronds | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on fronds | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on fronds | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Asplenium
Division
- In early spring or fall, carefully dig up the plant.
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade, ensuring each has roots.
- Plant divisions at the same depth as before.
- Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.
- Allow 4-6 weeks for establishment.
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 8 distinct Asplenium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 181 real gardener saves — 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 spring, late fall, early 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.
Keep exploring
Asplenium shows up in
Design with Asplenium in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
