Rusty Spleenwort Plant Care
Hemionitis calomelanos (Sw.) Christenh.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pellaea calomelanos is a species of fern. It is found in eastern and southern Africa where it is associated with Afromontane vegetation, as well as on Madagascar, The Comoros, and the Mascarene Islands.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Rusty Spleenwort?
Water Rusty Spleenwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low 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 Rusty Spleenwort Native To?
What Is the Rusty Spleenwort?
Rusty Spleenwort (Hemionitis calomelanos) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Hemionitis genus. Rusty Spleenwort is native to eastern and southern Africa.
Rusty Spleenwort displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Rusty Spleenwort produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rusty Spleenwort?
Hemionitis calomelanos 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 Rusty Spleenwort Need?
Rusty Spleenwort thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Rusty Spleenwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rusty Spleenwort Prefer?
Hemionitis calomelanos grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Rusty 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 Rusty Spleenwort?
Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Rusty Spleenwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rusty Spleenwort?
Feed Rusty 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 Rusty 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 Rusty Spleenwort?
Rusty Spleenwort can be propagated through division of rhizomes, spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hemionitis rotundifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rusty Spleenwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rusty 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 Rusty Spleenwort?
Rusty Spleenwort is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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 Rusty Spleenwort Need?
Rusty Spleenwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Rusty Spleenwort is native to eastern and southern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Rusty Spleenwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Rusty 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 Hemionitis genus — compare its care with other Hemionitis species on PlantoScan.
Hemionitis is part of the Pteridaceae plant family — browse all Pteridaceae genera and species.
Rusty Spleenwort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Hemionitis Species
Other Hemionitis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hemionitis calomelanos (Sw.) Christenh., family Pteridaceae (first published in Global Fl. 4: 11. 2018 [9 Feb 2018] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rusty 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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