Description:
The Maidenhair Fern emits a lovely fragrance, and provides delicate, cascading foliage to rooms, gardens and balconies as a standing or hanging plant. These plants have a reputation for being divas, but under the right growing conditions they are surprisingly easy to care for and create an arching mound of fun, delightful green leaves.
Botanical Classification: Adiantum raddianum
Pets And Kids:
Non-toxic to pets.
Plant Parent Care Tips:
- Don’t let a maidenhair dry out! The soil needs to be kept moist, but not soggy. Mist regularly, as this plant loves higher humidity.
- Regularly trim dead or brown fronds these away at soil level. Don’t fret! Some fronds will eventually die away – just get rid of them.
- In the event your fern does accidentally dry out, don’t be so quick to throw it away. Give it a good soaking and the maidenhair fern will eventually produce new leaves.
General Care:
Water:
Never let the soil of a maidenhair completely dry out. Drainage is also essential. Since the soil will be constantly wet, root rot is never far away. Mist regularly.
Sunlight:
Bright, indirect light. Will tolerate lower light, but may become leggy and fronds may yellow. Prefers morning and evening sun, but direct sun will lead to scorching.
Placement:
Place in a location that gets indirect morning or afternoon sun, such as a northern window, with no drafts and higher humidity, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Food:
Less is more. Fertilize quarterly using half-strength liquid fertilizer while watering.
Common Issues:
Fronds turning yellow: May not be receiving enough light.
Fronds turning brown or crispy: Might be receiving too much light, or be under-watered.
Interesting Fact
Maidenhair fern are the source of an aromatic, volatile oil commonly used as a shampoo, which is where its common name of maidenhair derived.