Genus guide
Asplenium — 30 species
Part of the Ferns family (Polypodiopsida)
Asplenium is a widespread fern genus spanning the tropics and temperate zones, with Bird's Nest Fern, Mother Fern, and Drooping Spleenwort among the most popular houseplant species. They are well adapted to low-light interiors, preferring bright indirect light and shade from harsh direct sun, which scorches their strappy or finely divided fronds. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry — roughly once a week — keeping soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. All Asplenium species are confirmed non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA, making them a superb fern choice for pet-friendly households.
All Asplenium species we cover
- Asplenium platyneuron
- Bird's Nest Fern
- Bird's Nest Fern 'Crissie'
- Bird's Nest Fern 'Osaka'
- Bird's Nest Fern 'Victoria'
- Black Spleenwort
- Black-stemmed Spleenwort
- Bradley's Spleenwort
- Cobra Bird's Nest Fern
- Crested Hart's Tongue Fern
- Crispum Hart's Tongue Fern
- Crispy Wave 'Hurricane'
- Crispy Wave Fern
- Crispy Wave Fern
- Drooping Spleenwort
- Forked Spleenwort
- Green Spleenwort
- Hart's Tongue Fern
- Japanese Bird's Nest Fern
- Leslie Bird's Nest Fern
- Maidenhair Spleenwort
- Mother Fern
- Mother Fern
- Norfolk Island Spleenwort
- Rustyback Fern
- Scot's Maidenhair Spleenwort
- Sea Spleenwort
- Walking Fern
- Wall Rue
- Wall-rue Spleenwort
Asplenium — frequently asked questions
Are Asplenium plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Asplenium are pet-safe. Of the 30 Asplenium species we cover, 27 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 3 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Asplenium plants need?
Most Asplenium do best in medium indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Asplenium easy to care for?
Many Asplenium are beginner-friendly — they tolerate lower light and forgiving watering. Water to how fast the pot actually dries rather than a fixed calendar and most will thrive.
How many Asplenium varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 30 Asplenium species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Asplenium, the rest follow closely.
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