Drooping Spleenwort
Asplenium flaccidum
The Drooping Spleenwort (scientific name: Asplenium flaccidum), also known as Makawē, is one of New Zealand's most graceful and distinctive native ferns. A member of the Aspleniaceae family, it is easily recognized by its long, pendulous, and leathery fronds that give the plant its characteristic weeping appearance. It thrives in moist forest environments across both islands, where it has evolved to grow as an epiphyte on tree trunks or as a lithophyte on damp rocks. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, its specialized ecological niche, and its significant cultural importance within our native forest ecosystems. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for all native species.
Plant Description
Identification and Physical Characteristics
Asplenium flaccidumis a clump-forming perennial fern distinguished by its long, pendulous fronds that typically range from 30 to 100 cm in length, though they can occasionally reach up to 2 meters in the wild. The dark green, fleshy, and leathery foliage is bipinnate to tripinnate, featuring narrow leaflets that are often deeply toothed or lobed. The name "flaccidum," meaning weak or limp, perfectly describes the graceful, weeping habit of the fronds as they hang from their substrate. The slender stipes (stalks) are dark and shiny, covered with minute dark scales at the base, arising from a short, erect central crown that allows the fern to anchor firmly to tree bark or rocky surfaces.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Asplenium flaccidum |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 1 m (pendulous to 2m) |
| Spread | 30-60 cm |
| Water Needs | Moderate; requires consistent humidity |
| Light | Partial to full shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate; hardy once established |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate; found in coastal forests |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Perennial Fern |
Climate Best Suited to
Drooping Spleenwort is well adapted to various temperate New Zealand regions, particularly moist, forest-clad environments where high humidity and oceanic influences mimic its natural epiphytic origins.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Auckland | High |
| Wellington | High |
| Nelson | High |
| Christchurch | Medium |
Plant Habitat
Natural Occurrence and Ecology
In its natural environment, the Drooping Spleenwort is a common and characteristic member of New Zealand's forest ecosystems. It has evolved to occupy specialized niches as an epiphyte, frequently growing on the trunks and branches of various native trees, and as a lithophyte on damp rocky outcrops. It thrives from coastal lowland forests up to montane shrublands, preferring areas with high ambient humidity and dappled light. Its hanging habit allows it to capture moisture and nutrients from the air and decaying organic matter collected in tree crevices, highlighting its successful adaptation to the complex vertical stratification of New Zealand's primary and regenerating native rainforests.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Prefers organic-rich soil or moisture-retentive bark substrate.
- Well-drained
- Humus-rich
Light Requirements
Grows best in partial to full shade; avoid direct midday sun.
- Full Shade
- Partial Shade
Water Requirements
Requires consistent moisture and high humidity; do not allow to dry out.
- Regular
- High humidity preferred
Planting and Establishing
Establishment Guidance
To successfully establish Asplenium flaccidum, choose a position that is shaded, sheltered, and provides a suitable substrate for its hanging habit, such as a large hanging basket or a mossy tree trunk. If planting terrestrially, dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and enrich the ground with leaf mold or compost. Ensure the central crown is not buried too deep. Planting during the cooler, moist months of autumn or spring is ideal, allowing the rhizomes to anchor themselves before summer. Providing a consistently humid micro-environment and regular misting will help maintain the moisture levels this specialized epiphyte prefers for vigorous healthy establishment.
Ecological Role
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact
Drooping Spleenwort plays a vital role in forest ecosystems by contributing to the vertical biodiversity of the canopy and understory. Its pendulous fronds and root masses provide important micro-habitats and shelter for specialized native invertebrates and lizards. By growing as an epiphyte, it reduces competition for ground-level resources and contributes to the natural moisture cycle of the forest through the interception of rainfall and fog. Its presence supports the overall structural complexity and health of New Zealand's native forests, acting as a resilient component of the maritime and inland botanical communities that define the rich biodiversity of our wild southern landscapes.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
In a garden setting, Asplenium flaccidumis a highly prized choice for shady native ferneries, epiphytic displays, or as a spectacular hanging feature. Its graceful, weeping foliage provides high ornamental value year-round and adds a lush texture that contrasts well with upright native plants. It is highly valued for its ability to be grown in hanging baskets and containers where its fronds can cascade elegantly. Native plant enthusiasts often use it to create authentic forest-like aesthetics by attaching it to tree trunks or logs, showcasing the sophisticated beauty and specialized adaptations of New Zealand's diverse climbing and hanging fern species in their own gardens.
- Epiphytic displays
- Hanging baskets
- Shady ferneries
Ecological Value
Beyond its ornamental appeal, this species holds significant cultural and practical importance. Known as Makawē, the fronds were traditionally used by Māori for weaving and creating decorative items. Historically, it was also utilized within traditional medicine (rongoā) for various ailments. Its Māori name, referring to the "tresses of Raukatauri" (the spirit of forest music), highlights the plant's deep spiritual connection to the native forest lore. This historical link emphasizes the spleenwort's significant botanical and cultural heritage as a respected resource within the ongoing tapestry of Aotearoa's natural and indigenous history.
- Traditional weaving resource
- Spiritual forest lore
Landscaping Uses
Modern landscaping can utilize Asplenium flaccidumto create naturalistic vertical layers in specialized native or contemporary designs. Its architectural weeping habit and leathery foliage make it a perfect softening element for the edges of retaining walls or as a lush focal point in a shaded courtyard garden. Designers often use it to add a sense of permanence and regional identity to a project, where its unique hanging form can be highlighted against a textured rock or bark backdrop. Its ability to maintain a neat habit while providing year-round structural interest makes it a reliable and decorative performer for high-impact native landscaping projects in cooler, humid regions.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
As new fronds begin to emerge, ensure the moisture levels are consistent and ambient humidity remains high. This is the optimal time for maintenance pruning to remove any winter damage and to apply a light dressing of organic compost around the base.
- Spring pruning
- Monitor humidity
Summer
Provide regular misting or extra watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain the lushness of the foliage and prevent the plant from becoming stressed by excessive heat. Ensure the site remains well-shaded and protected from intense midday sun.
- Maintain moisture
- Provide shade
Autumn
The spores will continue to mature and disperse. Tidy up the area by removing any large fallen leaves that might smother the central crown. Ensure the site remains well-drained as the weather becomes wetter to prevent any root rot.
- Tidy debris
- Check drainage
Winter
Naturally quite hardy in its native range but sensitive to severe frosts. Minimal intervention is needed during the dormant winter months; simply ensure the area stays free of heavy organic debris that could trap stagnant moisture around the base.
- Frost protection
- Clear debris
When to Prune and How Much
Asplenium flaccidumrequires very little pruning. Maintenance is primarily limited to removing any dead, diseased, or winter-scorched fronds in early spring before the new growth cycle commences. This improves air circulation around the crown and reduces the risk of fungal diseases in humid environments. Avoid cutting into the healthy green fronds to maintain the plant's characteristic weeping form. Always use sharp, sterilized tools to ensure clean cuts and to minimize the potential for introducing infection to the sensitive central stock of this beautiful and specialized native ornamental hanging fern.
- Remove dead fronds
- Maintenance thinning
Always use clean, sharp tools.
How to Grow Drooping Spleenwort
Cultivating Drooping Spleenwort (Asplenium flaccidum) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's unique epiphytic flora. This resilient species is best grown from spores or through the careful division of established clumps. Replicating its natural well-drained, organic-rich and highly humid forest habitat is the most critical factor for ensuring long-term success and maintaining its healthy, pendulous foliage in a garden setting.
From Spores
Propagation from spores is a delicate but effective method for producing new ferns. Collect mature spores from the undersides of the fronds when they appear dark and ready to release. Sow them onto the surface of a sterilized, moist, peat-based seed-raising mix. Cover the tray with glass or plastic to maintain high humidity and keep it in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. Germination involves the growth of a prothallus, which requires a thin film of water for fertilization to occur. Once young fernlings appear, they should be pricked out into individual containers and kept consistently moist until they are large enough for planting.
Sow spores in a sterilized mix.
- Collect mature spores
- Maintain high humidity
Keep moist until fernlings appear.
From Cuttings
Vegetative propagation via the division of mature clumps is possible and is best performed in early spring as new growth commences. Carefully lift a healthy clump and divide the central crown into smaller sections, ensuring that each new division has at least one or two active growing points and a substantial portion of the original root system. These divisions should be replanted immediately into a moist, well-draining medium and provided with a sheltered, bright spot until signs of new growth are observed, indicating that they have successfully re-established themselves and are ready for the garden or a specialized container.
Division is best attempted in early spring.
- Select healthy rhizomes
- Replant immediately
Additional Methods
Ensuring the right environmental conditions is often more critical than complex propagation techniques for this species. It thrives when its roots are kept cool and moist within an organic substrate, making it perfect for specialized shady rockeries or native ferneries. Avoid areas subject to intense midday heat or prolonged drought, which can cause the pendulous fronds to scorch and wither. Once established, the fern is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering and occasional misting during dry periods to maintain its healthy architectural form and vibrant weeping habit throughout its lifespan in your garden.
Once planted, it requires very little intervention.
- Monitor soil moisture
- Maintain high humidity
Pests & Diseases
This species is remarkably resistant to most common garden pests, although it may occasionally attract scale insects or aphids if grown in overly stagnant or dry spots. Regular monitoring and the use of non-toxic, organic controls are recommended to keep the foliage healthy. The primary risk in cultivation is root or crown rot, which occurs if the soil remains waterlogged or if drainage is poor. Maintaining good air circulation and ensuring appropriate humidity levels are the best ways to ensure the long-term health and resilience of this hardy native hanging fern throughout its life in your native collection.
Cultural Significance
Known by the Māori name Makawē, Asplenium flaccidumholds significant historical and spiritual importance in New Zealand. The name refers to the tresses of Raukatauri, the atua of forest music, highlighting the plant's connection to the spiritual lore of the native bush. Traditionally, the fronds were utilized for weaving and decorative purposes, representing the deep link between Māori and the native maritime and forest flora. This species stands as a symbol of the unique evolutionary history of our native spleenworts and the ongoing commitment to protecting the specialized habitats where this beautiful Drooping Spleenwort currently thrives across the country.
- Forest spiritual heritage
- Traditional weaving resource
Bonus Tip
To truly showcase the spectacular weeping beauty of the Drooping Spleenwort, attach it to a large, moss-covered log or a textured piece of driftwood in a shaded corner of your garden. The natural cascade of the dark green fronds creates a lush and serene forest-like display that brings a touch of wild New Zealand rainforest elegance directly into your own outdoor or indoor living space.
Related Plants
Explore other native plants that share similar characteristics or habitats with Drooping Spleenwort (Asplenium flaccidum), offering further insights into New Zealand's diverse flora. These related species provide context and opportunities for complementary planting in your garden.
Plant Conservation
Conservation Status
Currently classified as 'Not Threatened' nationally, Asplenium flaccidumremains a stable and characteristic part of New Zealand's forest biodiversity. However, its continued success is linked to the preservation of its specialized epiphytic and riparian habitats, which can be vulnerable to land development and the spread of aggressive invasive weeds. Ensuring that these natural forest environments remain protected from excessive human disturbance is key to maintaining the healthy populations of the Drooping Spleenwort that currently thrive across its wide natural range on both the North and South Islands.