Black Spleenwort

asplenium adiantum-nigrum

Also known as: ["Common Black Spleenwort","Black Maidenhair Spleenwort"]

Family: Aspleniaceae Genus: Asplenium Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A small, evergreen fern with dark green, pinnate fronds and a creeping rhizome, native to rocky habitats.

Benefits & Perks

["shade tolerant","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Family: Aspleniaceae
Genus: Asplenium
Botanical Name: Asplenium adiantum-nigrum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: shady garden bed or indoor pot in a cool, humid room with indirect light
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments to maintain humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning to remove only dead or yellowing fronds.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing or browning fronds, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or site conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full shade

Avoid direct sunlight; rotate plant for even growth; adjust light in winter.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, humus-rich soil with added leaf mold or peat

pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).

Ensure good drainage; maintain slightly acidic pH; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures tolerated in winter.

Protect from drafts; maintain stable temperatures; adjust care for seasonal changes.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Spores or division of rhizomes.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Collect spores.
  2. Prepare medium.
  3. Scatter spores.
  4. Keep moist.
  5. Or divide rhizomes.
  6. Replant immediately.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).

Medium

Sphagnum moss or sterile seed-starting mix.

Hormone

Not required for spores; rooting hormone may aid rhizome division.

Timeline

Spores: 1–3 months to germinate; rhizome division: immediate establishment.

Tools Needed

Spore collection kit, sterile knife, pots, humidity dome.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; maintain high humidity for spores; water gently after division.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip individual fronds at the base; avoid cutting into healthy growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance and health.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Check for dead fronds, use clean tools, prune carefully, dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Use fresh potting mix, ensure good drainage, gently tease out compacted roots.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Check root bound status, prepare new pot, use fresh soil, water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss for acidity.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate roots; avoid cold drafts.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced vigor in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, rinse if runoff appears.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Asplenium adiantum-nigrum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Asplenium adiantum-nigrum can result from water stress, either due to under or overwatering, disrupting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death.

Leaf spots on Asplenium adiantum-nigrum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf loss.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Asplenium adiantum-nigrum due to excessive moisture, leading to decay and loss of structural integrity.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Asplenium adiantum-nigrum is not toxic to cats. This fern species does not produce compounds harmful to felines when ingested.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure pets do not consume large quantities of any plant, but this species is not known to be toxic to cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Asplenium adiantum-nigrum is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion of this fern by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent overconsumption of any plant material, though this species poses no known toxicity risk.
Humans
Non-toxic

Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, commonly known as black spleenwort, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
all parts
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material is not recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much light does Asplenium adiantum-nigrum need?

A: It thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for shaded garden areas or indoor spaces with indirect light.

Q: Is Asplenium adiantum-nigrum toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does this fern require frequent watering?

A: It prefers consistently moist soil but is drought-tolerant once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Aspleniaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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