Photo: Timothy McNittCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Northern Spleenwort Plant Care
Asplenium septentrionale (L.) Hoffm.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its strikingly glossy, dark green fronds with a unique triangular shape. Originally from Europe and Asia, Asplenium septentrionale is highly coveted by plant collectors for its elegant appearance and ability to thrive in low light conditions. Its distinct foliage adds a touch of sophistication to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Northern Spleenwort?
Water Northern 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 Northern Spleenwort Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
What Is the Northern Spleenwort?
Northern Spleenwort (Asplenium septentrionale) belongs to the Aspleniaceae family within the Asplenium genus. Northern Spleenwort is native to Europe, Asia and western North America. Northern Spleenwort is also known as Forked Spleenwort.
Northern Spleenwort displays a compact, clumping fern growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Northern Spleenwort produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Northern Spleenwort?
Asplenium septentrionale 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 Northern Spleenwort Need?
Northern Spleenwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Northern 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 Northern Spleenwort Prefer?
Asplenium septentrionale grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Northern 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 Northern Spleenwort?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Northern Spleenwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Northern Spleenwort?
Feed Northern 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 Northern 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 Northern Spleenwort?
Northern 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 Northern Spleenwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Northern 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 Northern Spleenwort?
Northern 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 Northern Spleenwort Need?
Northern Spleenwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Northern Spleenwort is native to Europe, Asia and western North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Northern 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.
Northern 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 septentrionale (L.) Hoffm., family Aspleniaceae (first published in Deutschl. Fl. 2: 12 (1796)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Northern 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: Timothy McNitt, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, 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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