Ferns are showy plants that are diverse and often misunderstood. The Maidenhair Fern is a darling plant that is somewhat particular but generally easy once you understand what it wants. Learn about this plant likes and needs and what you can do to provide the best Maidenhair Fern care possible.
Plant Basics
Maidenhair Fern hails from rainforests in South America, where it can be found on the forest floor or growing in rock crevices. It goes by the botanical name Adiantum raddianum. Tiny, fan-shaped leaves may have scalloped ends and grow from black, wiry stems. The fronds shed water and do not become wet, which helps the plants live in damp tropical rainforests.
The stems are the namesake feature because they are so thin they almost resemble hair. While this sounds creepy, the greenery steals the show, so you don’t really notice the wiry stems. The branches are upright and gradually arch with age as they get longer.
These are slow-growing plants that can take several years to reach full size. Mature plants can grow one to two feet tall and wide.
Maidenhair Varieties
Several varieties of Maidenhair are grown as houseplants. The most common are Delta Maidenhair and Fragrant Maidenhair. Sometimes, the plant is simply labeled as Maidenhair. Care requirements are similar across all varieties, so these tips will work for whichever cultivar you have. Some of the plants available include:
- Delta Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)
- Fragrant Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)
- Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)
- Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
- Western Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aleuticum)
Lifespan
The Maidenhair Fern is one of those plants that has a lifespan. These ferns typically survive about 15 years. Despite your best efforts, the plant will decline eventually, but you can propagate a fern through division to create new plants and restart the clock.
Maidenhair Fern Light Needs
Place this fern in a sunny spot that receives indirect sunlight. Bright or medium light is ideal as long as it’s indirect. Direct light will burn the leaflets, turning them black, and insufficient light will cause the foliage to turn yellow.
How Often to Water Maidenhair Fern
This plant craves water, perhaps the most challenging part of fern care. Keep the soil damp or moist but not soggy or waterlogged. Drainage is important for all houseplants but desperately vital for the Maidenhair Fern. Water over a sink so excess water can drain, and use a cover pot or saucer to catch stray droplets. Do not plant this fern directly in terra cotta because the soil will quickly dry out.
Best Soil for Ferns
Use moist soil that allows drainage and has increased organic content.
Temperature and Humidity for Maidenhair Fern
This plant will not let you forget that it comes from a tropical environment. Warm, humid conditions are a must. Most homes are warm enough, but be careful to keep the plant away from drafts. If you really like air conditioning in the warm months, consider moving the plant to an area that is not impacted. Temperatures above 70° are comfortable for this fern.
Keep humidity over 60%. This fern does well in naturally humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Consider using a glass dome or cloche or a humidifier to give this plant the dampness it needs. Keep in mind that increased water does not compensate for low humidity. Oversaturating the roots will not help dry, crispy fronds.
Maidenhair Fern Fertilizer
Ferns are not heavy feeders, but a monthly dose of fertilizer can keep this beauty growing and looking good. Use a balanced fertilizer or a product low in nitrogen. Increased nitrogen can cause fertilizer burn and result in brown fronds.
Does Maidenhair Fern Bloom?
Ferns do not flower, so Adiantum plants do not bloom.
Fern Pruning Tips
Pruning is not a big part of fern care. The only time you’ll need pruning sheers is to remove dead or damaged growth.
Repotting Info
This fern is a slow-grower and happy to fit snuggly in a pot, so there’s no need to rush to repot. Repot every one to two years as needed. Upgrade to a container one to two inches bigger and refresh the potting soil.
Is Maidenhair Fern Pet Safe?
Adiantum raddianum is pet-safe and non-toxic to cats, dogs, and most animals.
Maidenhair Fern Styling Tips
The compact size of this fern is part of its appeal. Sometimes, a small, dainty plant is best, and that’s what this fern delivers. Use a neutral or plain container so the fronds stand out, or go with a bold or whimsical planter to complement the plant’s good looks. The name alone makes this fern a good candidate for a head-shaped planter.
The Maidenhair Fern looks charming on a desk or end table and is lovely in a hanging container. If you decide to suspend the plant in a hanger, consider hanging it low to admire the dainty fronds.