Everything You Need to Know About Adiantum Plants

Family: Pteridaceae

Scientific name: Adiantum

Common name:Maidenhair ferns 

Maidenhair ferns are hardy ferns with a delicate facade. They come with a feathery, lacy appearance that adds so much character to your garden. Their leaf-like parts are very small in size and they are layered in shape. However, despite how gentle and soft they appear, maidenhair ferns are quite difficult to take care of in indoor environments because of how specific they can be when it comes to their growing conditions.

 

Maidenhair Ferns: History, Natural Habitat, and Other uses

Maidenhair ferns are part of the genus Adiantum that has over 200 fern species in the world. Its genus name translates to “unwetted” in English, which refers to the water-repellant leaves of the plants.

 

The leaves or fronds of these ferns are often compared to fingers and are wired back to dark, black stems. Since the leaves repel water, plant owners need to replenish water for maidenhair ferns quite often.  These plants often grow in unconventional places such as rock walls and in between rock fissures where moisture keeps them healthy. These ferns love moisture and can thrive in humid, woody gardens.

 

The maidenhair fern and its parts have been used over time for a variety of reasons. The plant is a source of aromatic oil that is used in shampoos. The plant has also been used to treat wounds and cuts using poultices. The pigment from the wiry black stems of the fern is also utilized as a dye in making native baskets.

 

Growing maidenhair ferns is not that much of a difficult task. However, maintaining a misty, humid environment for these plants (especially indoors) can be quite challenging. Maidenhair ferns are very particular with the soil, moisture, and care they should receive to thrive.

 

Best growing conditions for Maidenhair Ferns

As mentioned earlier, maidenhair ferns are quite particular with their growing conditions. So, if you want your maidenhair fern plant to thrive and be healthy, you should follow their preferred environment.

 

• Water

Since the leaves of maidenhair ferns are water-repellant, it is important to keep them consistently moist. Never let your maidenhair ferns dry out completely. Water them enough until there is free-flowing water from your pot’s drainage hole to the saucer. However, do not get too carried away with watering your plants as it could cause the roots and the stems to rot.

 

• Light

Avoid putting your maidenhair ferns in direct sunlight as it can cause the plant’s fronds to burn. Instead, place them somewhere in your house that gets an ample amount of natural light. You can place them near windows but not directly in front of them.

 

• Soil

In contrast to most ferns, maidenhair ferns prefer alkaline soils over the acidic soils. They also prefer moist, well-draining soils with organic matter in it. This type of soil condition replicates the plant’s natural habitat.

 

• Humidity

Maidenhair ferns love high-humidity places so, if you are planning to grow them indoors, you should opt to place them near other greenery or in your bathroom. Placing them near your humidifier or inside a terrarium will also help your maidenhair ferns to thrive.

 

Some leaves may turn brown if these growing conditions are not met. However, there is no need to panic. Just cut all rotting and withering fronds with sharp shears and expect healthy new growth in a few weeks. Observe your plant from time to time and look out for dry leaf tips, which are your plant’s way of asking for help. This may mean that it needs to be placed somewhere with moist and humid air.

 

Maintaining a perfect growing condition for maidenhair ferns can be quite a hassle. However, these beautiful plants serve as a great addition to your home with its delicate details and feathery fronds. There is also no need to worry as these ferns are non-toxic, which makes it perfect for homes with pets and young children.