Photo: Saryu Mae 前 朝琉CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Obtuse Spleenwort Plant Care
Asplenium obtusatum G.Forst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking fronds that are deeply lobed and have a wavy margin, this plant originates from the lush forests of New Zealand. Plant collectors are drawn to Asplenium obtusatum for its unique foliage that adds a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor garden or terrarium.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Obtuse Spleenwort?
Water Obtuse 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 Obtuse Spleenwort Native To?
What Is the Obtuse Spleenwort?
Obtuse Spleenwort (Asplenium obtusatum) belongs to the Aspleniaceae family within the Asplenium genus. Obtuse Spleenwort is native to New Zealand and other Pacific isles.
Obtuse Spleenwort displays a compact, clumping fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Obtuse Spleenwort produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Obtuse Spleenwort?
Asplenium obtusatum 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 Obtuse Spleenwort Need?
Obtuse Spleenwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Obtuse 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 Obtuse Spleenwort Prefer?
Asplenium obtusatum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Obtuse 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 Obtuse Spleenwort?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Obtuse Spleenwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Obtuse Spleenwort?
Feed Obtuse 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 Obtuse 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 Obtuse Spleenwort?
Obtuse 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 Obtuse Spleenwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Obtuse 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 Obtuse Spleenwort?
Obtuse 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 Obtuse Spleenwort Need?
Obtuse Spleenwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Obtuse Spleenwort is native to New Zealand and other Pacific isles. In cooler regions, grow Obtuse Spleenwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Obtuse 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.
Obtuse Spleenwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Asplenium obtusatum G.Forst., family Aspleniaceae (first published in Fl. Ins. Austr. : 80 (1786)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Obtuse 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.
- Photo: Saryu Mae 前 朝琉, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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