Asplenium viride
Asplenium viride
Green Spleenwort
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Taxonomy
Family Aspleniaceae · Genus Asplenium
Description
Asplenium viride, the green spleenwort, is a petite, cool-loving fern with bright green stipes and tidy, pinnate fronds. Naturally tucked into lime-rich rock crevices, it thrives in shady, moist, and well-drained spots and makes a charming accent for tufa, crevice, and alpine gardens—or a careful indoor grower in a cool, humid spot.
Common Names
Green SpleenwortGreen-stemmed Spleenwort
Context
nativeRegion
Circumboreal: northern and montane regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, typically on calcareous rock.
usdaZones
3-7
companionPlants
Asplenium trichomanes, Cystopteris fragilis, Polypodium vulgare, Saxifraga paniculata, Primula auricula, Campanula rotundifolia, Sempervivum spp.
culturalUses
Ornamental for crevice, tufa, and rock gardens; historically associated with spleenwort folklore. Provides microhabitat structure on limestone walls and outcrops.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright indirect light to part shade; avoid hot, direct afternoon sun.
WateringKeep evenly moist but never waterlogged; allow the top layer to just barely dry. Use lime-rich, well-drained media to prevent rot.
SoilGritty, sharply drained, alkaline mix (e.g., loam + grit + limestone chips or tufa). pH neutral to alkaline.
FertilizerLight feeder: half-strength balanced fertilizer monthly in spring–summer; none in winter.
HumidityModerate to high (50–70%) if grown indoors; good air movement is important.
TemperaturePrefers cool conditions: 40–70°F (4–21°C). Hardy outdoors roughly USDA 3–7; protect from prolonged heat above 80°F (27°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitSmall, tufted clumping fern from a short rhizome; evergreen to semi-evergreen.
Mature Size4–8 in tall and 4–10 in wide (10–20 cm tall, 10–25 cm spread).
Growth RateSlow to moderate growth.
BloomingFerns do not bloom; produces linear sori with spores, typically late spring to summer.
DormancyEvergreen in mild climates; may partially die back in severe cold and reflush in spring.
Propagation
MethodsDivision, Spores
DifficultyDivision easy on established clumps; spores moderate to challenging and slow.
Best SeasonSpring for division; late spring–summer for spore collection and sowing.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove dead or winter-burned fronds in late winter or early spring.
RepottingEvery 2–3 years in spring if container-grown; refresh with gritty, alkaline medium (add limestone chips).
Pests & DiseasesGenerally trouble-free; watch for slugs/snails outdoors, scale or aphids indoors. Root/leaf rot if poorly drained or overwatered.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.
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