Contents
Description
Asplenium Trichomanes, commonly known as the maidenhair spleenwort, is a fern species that belongs to the family Aspleniaceae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and can also be found in some parts of North America. The plant is characterized by its shiny, dark green fronds that grow in a fan-like pattern. The fronds are thin and delicate, and can grow up to 30 cm long. The maidenhair spleenwort is a small fern, typically growing up to 20 cm in height.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Aspleniaceae |
| Genus | Asplenium |
Appearance
The maidenhair spleenwort has shiny, dark green fronds that grow in a fan-like pattern. The fronds are thin and delicate, and can grow up to 30 cm long. The plant is a small fern, typically growing up to 20 cm in height. The maidenhair spleenwort is a perennial plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. It is a great plant for adding texture and interest to any garden or indoor space.
Care Guide
Water
The maidenhair spleenwort prefers moist soil, but it is important not to overwater it. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which can be fatal to the plant. The best way to water the maidenhair spleenwort is to wait until the top inch of soil is dry, then give it a thorough watering.
Fertilization
The maidenhair spleenwort does not require frequent fertilization. However, if you want to promote growth, you can fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
The maidenhair spleenwort prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a potting mix that is specifically designed for ferns, or you can create your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and sand.
Sunlight
The maidenhair spleenwort prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can burn the leaves. If you are growing the plant indoors, place it near a north or east-facing window.
Hardiness Zones
The maidenhair spleenwort is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The maidenhair spleenwort is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. If you notice any signs of infestation, such as small webs or white cottony masses on the leaves, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The maidenhair spleenwort is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky cliffs, crevices, and walls. It prefers moist, shaded areas and can often be found growing in the wild alongside other fern species.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the maidenhair spleenwort be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the maidenhair spleenwort can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a bright, indirect light and the soil is kept moist.
Q: How often should I water my maidenhair spleenwort?
A: Water your maidenhair spleenwort when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for growing maidenhair spleenwort?
A: The maidenhair spleenwort prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: How can I propagate my maidenhair spleenwort?
A: The maidenhair spleenwort can be propagated by dividing the plant or by spores. To propagate by spores, collect the spores from the underside of the fronds and plant them in a mixture of peat moss and sand. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, humid location until the spores germinate.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:
- Adiantum capillus-veneris
- Asplenium nidus
- Dryopteris filix-mas
- Nephrolepis exaltata
References
- “Asplenium trichomanes – Maidenhair spleenwort.” Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10006/asplenium-trichomanes/details. Accessed 12 May 2021.
- “Asplenium trichomanes.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b641. Accessed 12 May 2021.
- “Maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes).” Plant Heritage, https://www.plantheritage.org.uk/plant-conservation/national-plant-collections/alphabetical-list/maidens-hair-spleenwort-asplenium-trichomanes/. Accessed 12 May 2021.
