Species library › Asplenium › Asplenium cordatum
Ferns Well documented

Asplenium cordatum

A small, scaly resurrection spleenwort (formerly Ceterach cordatum) widespread across the dry interior of southern and eastern Africa. Its fronds curl up and look dead in drought, then unfurl within hours of rain, so it wants bright light, sharp drainage and genuine dry spells.

At home, aim for
Day Cool-growingTargets in Plantistry
Night A clear drop at nightTargets in Plantistry
Humidity Dry airBand in Plantistry
Light Bright, filtered lightDLI and PPFD in Plantistry
Expects a seasonal restGrows on rock (lithophyte)

Where it grows wild

Grows in rock crevices and at the bases of boulders in dry savanna, Karoo and grassland, often on the shaded side of rocks.

Recorded at 582–2500 m, median 1450 m.

South AfricaLesothoNamibiaBotswanaZimbabweEthiopiaKenyaTanzaniaAngolaSomalia

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates
✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it
✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light
✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it
✓ Substrate and airflow
✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

Grow Asplenium cordatum? Add it to a free garden and its full profile opens. Pro opens all 38,374 profiles in the library, plants and fungi.

Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.