Maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) is a miniature fern that forms a rosette of long, slender fronds with black stems and green leaves. Easy to grow, low maintenance. It prefers partial to full shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Virtually pest and disease free.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Asplenium trichomanes, the maidenhair spleenwort (not to be confused with the similar-looking maidenhair fern), is a small fern in the spleenwort genus Asplenium.
The specific epithet trichomanes refers to a Greek word for fern.
Asplenium trichomanes grow 10 to 30 cm tall forming tufts arising from a short, scaly rhizome. The scales are dark. The evergreen fronds are long and narrow, gradually tapering towards the tip. They are simply divided into small, yellow-green to dark-green, roundish pinnae. The stipe and rachis of the frond are dark all along their length. The fronds can reach 40 cm in length but are more commonly 8–20 cm. The indusia are linear to oval, straight, and attached to the upper-side of the fertile vein. There are (2) 4 to 8 sori per pinna and each are 1 to 3.5 mm long. Diploid (2n) chromosome count is 72.
It is widespread in temperate and subarctic areas and also occurs in mountainous regions in the tropics. Its range includes most of Europe and much of Asia south to Turkey, Iran and the Himalayas with a population in Yemen. It occurs in northern, southern and parts of eastern Africa and also in eastern Indonesia, south-east Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and Hawaii. It is found in North America and Central America and Cuba, and the northern and western regions of South America such as Chile. Even though its range is wide spread, it is often rare, and populations are widely spread out from each other based on the availability of suitable habitat.
It grows in rocky habitats such as cliffs, scree slopes, walls and mine waste, the type of rock used as a substrate depending on the subspecies. It grows from sea-level up to 3000 metres in North America while in the British Isles it reaches 870 metres.
In the US state of Minnesota A. trichomanes is listed as a threatened species. It occurs on ledges and in crevices on moist, east-facing cliffs and occasionally on talus with similar conditions. The Minnesota populations are Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes.
Asplenium trichomanes is valued in cultivation for its hardiness (down to −20 °C (−4 °F)), its evergreen foliage and its ability to colonise crevices in stone walls. It prefers a fully or partially shaded aspect. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Maidenhair spleenwort is a resilient fern that can thrive in various conditions, which makes it an easy-care plant. It prefers semi-shady to shady locations with consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Special care for maidenhair spleenwort includes ensuring it is not exposed to direct sunlight, as the delicate fronds can easily scorch, and maintaining a humid environment to mirror its natural habitat.
Sunlight
Maidenhair spleenwort thrives in partial sun, where the light is dappled and indirect. This condition allows for a balance of illumination without the harshness of direct sunlight, which is essential for its growth and vitality. While maidenhair spleenwort tolerates full shade, it is important to note that excessive shade may limit its growth potential and lead to a less robust plant. Adaptively, maidenhair spleenwort may exhibit changes in leaf color to adjust to varying light levels, optimizing its photosynthetic efficiency.
Outdoors, maidenhair spleenwort is best planted in spots where it can receive filtered light, such as under the canopy of larger trees or on the north side of buildings, to replicate its natural woodland habitat.
Watering
Adapted to the moist, shaded environments of its native habitat, maidenhair spleenwort thrives with consistent humidity. This fern exhibits a preference for evenly balanced moisture and demonstrates moderate drought tolerance. Watering should adhere to a routine of once every week to maintain optimal hydration. As an evergreen plant, maidenhair spleenwort retains its foliage year-round, necessitating a steady water supply even during cooler months when indoor heating can reduce ambient humidity.
Soil
Maidenhair spleenwort is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is required, and limestone-based soil is best, rather than acidic. Mulch around the plants with compost to keep the soil moisture even
Fertilizing
Fertilizing maidenhair spleenwort with balanced nutrition fertilizers promotes robust growth and vitality. Apply a diluted solution monthly during the growing season, spring through fall, decreasing in winter due to slower growth. Moderation is key; use half the recommended strength to prevent root burn. Avoid fertilizing when soil is dry—water maidenhair spleenwort beforehand. Seasonal adjustments ensure maidenhair spleenwort receives optimal nutrients without over-fertilization risks. Tailor application practices to maidenhair spleenwort’s life cycle for thriving foliage.
Propagation
Native to rocky, woodland areas, maidenhair spleenwort flourishes in shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is effectively achieved through division. This entails carefully separating the fern’s rhizomes, ensuring each new section has a part of the root and at least one frond. Replanting these sections in ideal conditions will help them establish. This tailored approach guarantees that each new plant retains the parent’s characteristics, allowing gardeners to expand their collection of maidenhair spleenwort with continuity.
Transplanting
The perfect time to transplant maidenhair spleenwort is during the temperate embrace of mid to late spring or the onset of early summer, allowing it to root well before hotter days. Choose a shady spot with moist, well-drained soil, and handle the delicate fronds with care to avoid damage.
Repotting
Maidenhair spleenwort, a petite fern, thrives best when repotted every 2-3 years to accommodate its slow growth. Optimal repotting occurs in spring, aligning with its growth cycle. Choose a shallow container that mimics its natural rocky habitats. Post-repotting, maintain high humidity and indirect light to ensure maidenhair spleenwort’s delicate fronds recover smoothly and continue to flourish.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, or city or rock gardens and containers.
