Deer tongue fern

If you like plants that only have leaves, and that can also be grown indoors for a lifetime, you will probably like the one that we are going to present to you very much. Its scientific name is Asplenium scolopendriumbut it is much better known by its other name: deer tongue.

East it is a very beautiful fernwhich you can use to decorate any corner of your home.

Characteristics of the deer tongue fern

Deer tongue fern in habitat

Our protagonist is a fern native to the Northern Hemisphere that grows in dense and shady forests. It has simple, lanceolate fronds (leaves), with a visible midrib, bright green, and about 50cm long. The petiole and rachis are scaly, and the sori are large in parallel lines.

Its growth rate is medium-fastand can live for several years indoors. Taking this into account, it is a very interesting plant to care for, don’t you think? He is not very demanding, although like all plant beings, he also has his preferences.

How do you take care of yourself?

Deer Tongue Fern

In order to enjoy a well-cared deer tongue fern, it is advisable to consider the following:

  • Location: outside in semi-shade; indoors in a very bright room.
  • Substratum: it must have good drainage. You can mix black peat with perlite in equal parts for example.
  • Irrigation: two or three times a week in summer, somewhat less the rest of the year. If we have a plate underneath, we will remove the excess water ten minutes after watering.
  • Subscriber: in spring and summer with a fertilizer for green plants, or with liquid organic fertilizers, such as guano, following the instructions specified on the product packaging.
  • Transplant: every two years, in spring.
  • Rusticity: it is very sensitive to strong frosts, but it withstands temperatures down to -2ºC well.

Did you know this fern?