Black Spleenwort Plant Care
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum is a common species of fern known by the common name black spleenwort. It is found mostly in Africa, Europe, and Eurasia, but is also native to a few locales in Mexico and the United States.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Black Spleenwort?
Water Black Spleenwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Black Spleenwort Native To?
What Is the Black Spleenwort?
Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum) belongs to the Aspleniaceae family within the Asplenium genus. Black Spleenwort is native to a few locales in Mexico and the United States. Black Spleenwort is also known as Maidenhair Spleenwort.
Black Spleenwort displays a compact, clumping fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Black Spleenwort produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black Spleenwort?
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Black Spleenwort Need?
Black Spleenwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Black Spleenwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Black Spleenwort Prefer?
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Black Spleenwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black Spleenwort?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Black Spleenwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Black Spleenwort?
Feed Black Spleenwort every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Black Spleenwort?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Black Spleenwort?
Black Spleenwort can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to birds nest fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Black Spleenwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Black Spleenwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Black Spleenwort?
Black Spleenwort is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Black Spleenwort Need?
Black Spleenwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Black Spleenwort is native to a few locales in Mexico and the United States. In cooler regions, grow Black Spleenwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Black Spleenwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Asplenium genus — compare its care with other Asplenium species on PlantoScan.
Asplenium is part of the Aspleniaceae plant family — browse all Aspleniaceae genera and species.
Black Spleenwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Asplenium Species
Other Asplenium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L., family Aspleniaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1081 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Black Spleenwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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