The Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) is a distinctive plant with unique, strap-shaped fronds. This evergreen fern is relatively easy to care for, making it a suitable choice for indoor spaces.
Hart’s Tongue Fern Care
Light
Hart’s Tongue Ferns thrive in bright, indirect, or filtered light conditions. They naturally grow in shaded and cooler forest environments, making them susceptible to damage from intense, direct sunlight. Exposure to too much direct sun can scorch their delicate fronds, leading to brown leaf tips and yellowing. Ideal indoor placement includes north or east-facing windows, which provide gentle morning sun and help avoid harsh midday rays. If natural light is insufficient, the fern can still grow well in rooms with ambient, indirect light.
Water and Humidity
Maintaining consistent moisture in the soil is important for Hart’s Tongue Ferns, but they are sensitive to overwatering. The soil should be kept evenly moist, allowing the top inch or two to dry slightly between waterings. During the growing season, watering once a week is often sufficient, while in winter months, this frequency should be reduced. Good drainage is important to prevent root rot, which can result from soggy conditions.
These ferns prefer medium to high humidity. Low humidity can cause brown leaf tips and dehydration. To increase humidity, place the pot on a pebble tray, use a room humidifier, or group plants. Water the plant at its base, avoiding the fronds to prevent crown rot.
Temperature
Hart’s Tongue Ferns prefer moderate room temperatures. They thrive above 5°C (41°F). During the active growing season, 13-24°C (55-75°F) is recommended. Protect the fern from sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts, as these can stress the plant.
Soil and Fertilizing
The ideal soil for a Hart’s Tongue Fern should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mix containing humus, leaf mold, and garden loam is suitable, ensuring aeration and nutrient availability. The fern prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6 to 7.
Fertilize sparingly. During the growing season (spring and summer), a diluted liquid fertilizer applied every 4-6 weeks is sufficient. Use a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent salt buildup, which can hinder nutrient absorption.
Potting and Repotting
Select a pot with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Hart’s Tongue Ferns prefer to be slightly root-bound, so frequent repotting is not necessary. Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its container.
Signs of needing repotting include roots growing through drainage holes, water pooling on the soil surface, or reduced growth.
The best time to repot is spring, as the plant begins its active growth. When repotting, gently remove the fern, shake off excess soil, and place it into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix.
Common Issues
Browning leaf tips on a Hart’s Tongue Fern often indicate low humidity, inconsistent watering, or exposure to direct sunlight. Increasing ambient humidity and ensuring consistent, appropriate watering can help resolve this. If direct sunlight is the cause, relocating the plant to a shadier spot is recommended.
Yellowing leaves can be a symptom of overwatering, which may lead to root rot, or nutrient deficiencies. If the soil is consistently soggy, adjusting the watering frequency and ensuring proper drainage is important. For nutrient deficiencies, a diluted, balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season.
While generally resistant, Hart’s Tongue Ferns can occasionally be affected by pests such as spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. Regularly inspecting the plant for unusual spots or sticky residue can help in early detection. If pests are found, treating them promptly with an appropriate horticultural insecticide, such as insecticidal soap, is advisable. Stunted growth or pale fronds may also signal insufficient light, in which case moving the fern to a slightly brighter, indirect light location can encourage healthier development.