Asplenium quezelii
Asplenium quezelii
Quézel’s Spleenwort
★
Taxonomy
Family Aspleniaceae · Genus Asplenium
Description
Asplenium quezelii is a petite, cliff-dwelling spleenwort named for botanist Pierre Quézel. It forms tidy, evergreen tufts of finely cut fronds that appreciate cool shade, steady moisture, and gritty, lime-rich substrates—perfect for a shaded rock garden, trough, or a carefully ventilated terrarium.
Common Names
Quézel’s SpleenwortQuezel’s Asplenium
Context
nativeRegion
Mountainous cliffs and rock crevices of North Africa (notably Algeria).
usdaZones
8-10
companionPlants
Asplenium trichomanes, Asplenium ceterach (Ceterach officinarum), Cheilanthes spp., Saxifraga spp., Sedum spp.
culturalUses
Grown as a specialty rock-garden and conservation collection fern; valued for alpine troughs and botanic displays.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light to open shade; protect from harsh midday sun.
WateringKeep evenly moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top 0.5–1 cm to just begin to dry between waterings.
SoilGritty, fast-draining mix with mineral content; neutral to alkaline. Add pumice/grit and a pinch of crushed limestone.
FertilizerDilute balanced fertilizer at 1/4 strength monthly in spring–summer; none in winter.
HumidityModerate humidity (40–70%) with good airflow; avoid stagnant, overly humid conditions.
TemperatureIdeal 55–70°F (13–21°C); tolerates 45–80°F (7–27°C). Protect from hard frost and extreme heat.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitSmall, tufted, evergreen to semi-evergreen fern forming tight clumps on rock or in crevices.
Mature Size4–10 in (10–25 cm) tall and wide, depending on conditions.
Growth RateSlow-growing.
BloomingNon-flowering fern; produces sori with spores on the undersides of fertile fronds.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in heat and in winter. May briefly semi-dormant in drought.
Propagation
MethodsSpore sowing, Division of established clumps
DifficultyModerate to difficult (spores slow; division only on mature clumps)
Best SeasonSpring for division; late summer to autumn for collecting/sowing spores.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningSnip spent or damaged fronds at the base to encourage fresh growth.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years in spring; keep somewhat root-bound and refresh gritty mix.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for scale, mealybugs, and fern aphids; overwatering can cause root rot. Ensure drainage and airflow to prevent fungal spots.
ToxicityGenerally regarded as non-toxic to pets and humans.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.