Asplenium aethiopicum

RHS Plant Profile

African spleenwort

Synonyms

Asplenium furcatum Thunb.

Ferns

A species of tender to half-hardy clump-forming, evergreen fern to around 45cm in height, which in it's native Africa grows on rocky or stony ground (lithophytic) or sometimes on plants or trees (epiphytic). The new foliage is a gingery colour, turning to green, lobed fronds, glossy on the upper surface and matt on the lower. Gingery hairs cover both the lower surface of the fronds and the stems. Great as a foliage houseplant in pots and containers

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H3

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Aspleniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Asplenium are evergreen ferns with short, usually erect rhizomes bearing a rosette of slightly leathery fronds which may be simple, pinnate to 3-pinnate
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Trop. & Subtrop. Old World to Pacific

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, airy, moist but well-drained soil. A specific, peat-free fern mixture is ideal. Avoid placing in direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. Prefers moderate to high humidity so mist the fronds with water occasionally or place in a bath or shower room. Protect from severe cold and frost. See how to grow ferns or how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by spores or propagate by division of clumps of mature plants

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Patio and container plants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required. Remove dead or damaged fronds. Lightly trim to encourage air circulation

Pests

Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs or aphids. May also be susceptible to vine weevils if grown in pots and containers

Diseases

Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or grown in soil with poor drainage