If you’re a person who revels in meticulous attention to detail, then the maidenhair fern is the plant for you. Because like Goldilocks, everything a maidenhair experiences – from light values to soil moisture to humidity – must be just right. But in exchange for all the extra attention, the maidenhair fern gives back as much as it asks for. That tissue-thin, apple-green foliage and those delicate, arching fronds are worth the extra effort – steps that make more sense once you understand this fern’s moisture-laden native lifestyle.
Whether you’ve just adopted your first maidenhair – or you’ve tried in the past with dubious results – you can be successful with our care tips below. For a maidenhair, it’s just a matter of paying closer attention and doing some of the usual plant parenting things a little more often.
Meet the Maidenhair Fern
The common name “maidenhair fern” refers to any of over 200 species of ferns in the genus Adiantum. Maidenhair ferns are found all over the world, from the Andes to New Zealand to China, with some species native to North America too. Wherever in the world they live, maidenhair ferns like moisture – they’re happiest in damp, well-drained areas with plentiful water and high humidity. In fact, many species find their home in the rock walls around waterfalls where water seeps around their roots and a cool mist continually hangs in the air.
In the Greenhouse, our most popular species of maidenhair is Adiantum raddianum, the delta maidenhair fern. Its pinnately divided fronds and delicate, fan-shaped leaflets seem to float above the pot on dark, wiry stems. Often, we have other species and cultivars available too – with their own interesting forms and colors.
Light
A maidenhair fern likes lots of indirect light – never direct sunlight, which can burn the foliage. And low light can slow down growth and cause weak stems and foliage, so something in the bright but indirect range is perfect. For more about what that means exactly, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Indoor Light.
Water
A maidenhair fern needs consistently moist – but not soggy – soil that drains well. The soil surface should never be dry – even a little bit – but it doesn’t like sitting in water either. How often your fern needs a drink will vary depending on light, temperature, and humidity, so keep a close eye on the soil until you get a good idea of how fast it dries. A plastic or glazed ceramic pot with drain holes is ideal, but avoid terra cotta or unglazed clay containers, which let the soil dry faster.
Humidity
Just like in the soil, a maidenhair fern needs a fair amount of moisture in the air too. One way to increase the humidity around your fern is to set it on a pebble tray with water up to – but not touching – the bottom of the pot. Check out our recent post from guest blogger Jeannie Phan for more great ways to increase humidity for your houseplants.
Let’s Talk More
Maidenhair ferns do require a little more diligence than your average houseplant, but the light and airy texture they bring to your plant collection more than makes up for it. Come visit the Greenhouse and talk with our team – we’ll show you the beautiful maidenhair ferns in our collection, and we’re always happy to talk through more tips for their success too.
