African Spleenwort Plant Care

African Spleenwort (Asplenium aethiopicum) belongs to the Aspleniaceae family within the Asplenium genus. African Spleenwort is native to Southern and tropical Africa, tropical America, Asia and Australia.

African Spleenwort displays a compact, clumping fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. African Spleenwort produces non-flowering plant.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Asplenium aethiopicum 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.

African Spleenwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing African Spleenwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Asplenium aethiopicum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. African Spleenwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for African Spleenwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

African 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.

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African 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.

African Spleenwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. African Spleenwort is native to Southern and tropical Africa, tropical America, Asia and Australia. In cooler regions, grow African Spleenwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.