| Maidenhair Fern | Information |
|---|---|
| Common names | maidenhair fern |
| Botanical name | Adiantum |
| Family | Pteridaceae |
| Plant type | fern |
| Height | 30 to 60cm (12 to 24in) |
| Spread | 30 to 60cm (12 to 24in) |
| Aspect | part shade or shade |
| Humidity | high |
| Temperature indoors | 15-25°C (59-77°F) |
| Hardiness | H1C to H7 |
| Difficulty | average to challenging |
A luscious, lightweight mass of lacy apple-green leaves, the maidenhair fern is one of the most distinctive houseplants. Its common name is due to the stems being incredibly fine, like hair, and perhaps also because the whole plant resembles a mop of hair. The delicate fronds grow in a trailing arch, making it great for a hanging pot and giving it a more feminine look than most indoor plants. The fan-shaped leaves are a vivid shade of spring green, which is complemented by the dark (sometimes black) stems.
There are 237 species, originating from all across the globe, in particular China and the Andes. Many are too tender for UK gardens, but can be cultivated as houseplants. The principal indoor maidenhair is Adiantum raddianum – being a graceful cloud of delicate mid-green leaves, it is enticing to buy, but be warned that it is a fusspot; hailing from the wet tropical forests of Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador, where it grows in dim and dappled light, it will be unimpressed with anything other than a warm, dimly lit bathroom that is regularly steamy.
If you can't provide those conditions, fear not – there are similarly gorgeous maidenhair species that will happily grow outside. Adiantum aleuticum and A. venustum are hardy throughout the UK, and they are partial to a shady corner with their roots in retentive, well-drained earth. There is a native maidenhair fern – A. capillus-veneris (the Venus maidenhair) – but it is only hardy in the southwest, where it grows, and other mild regions.
Maidenhairs are diva plants . . . their needs must be met, otherwise they will pale, brown, crisp, and look thoroughly miserable. In the right place – a warm, humid room indoors or a woodland-style garden outdoors – they are gorgeous plants that are well worth growing. But in any other conditions, it's best not to bother.
Which maidenhair fern to grow indoors
The Delta maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) is the main species grown as a houseplant. The Victorians adored it, and it rather liked them, since they didn't have radiators that dry the air. It was so popular that, in the 1890s, one of the main Covent Garden suppliers had three greenhouses dedicated to growing it. 'Fragrantissimum' is a good cultivar, with black stalks and subtly scented foliage.
Which maidenhair ferns to grow outdoors
The Aleutian maidenhair (Adiantum aleuticum), from the Alaskan Aleutian Islands, and the evergreen maidenhair (A. venustum), from the Himalayas, are perfect for British woodland-style gardens. Both are spreading wintergreen ferns.
A. aleuticum reaches around 50 centimetres and grows in a distinctive fishbone shape. 'Imbricatum' is a good dwarf cultivar. A. venustum is smaller, reaching around 30 centimetres and can blush pink in spring. In extreme cold, it will be semi-evergreen. 'Japonicum' is lovely cultivar, producing bronze tints early in the year.
How to grow a maidenhair fern indoors
- Position: A north or east-facing bathroom or kitchen that is kept relatively warm is ideal. Having an arching habit, maidenhairs look great in hanging pots or atop a shelf. Because they can sulk if moved, try to find the perfect place for them.
- Light: These ferns love shade, so never put them in direct south-facing sunshine. They will grow in bright, indirect light, but prefer it filtered.
- Moisture: Humidity is essential. Keep them well away from dehumidifiers and radiators. If they're not kept in high humidity, they must be sat on a tray of pebbles and water and regularly misted. Water at the base when the surface of the compost feels dry; water less during winter.
- Warmth: Maidenhairs prefer to be kept between 15 and 25°C and shouldn't be subjected to cold below 10°C. Never put them in the line of cold draughts: a porch is their worst nightmare.
- Food: Give a balanced liquid plant fertiliser once a month in spring and summer.
- Repotting: Use a loam-based compost (for better moisture retention)
- Pests: Scale insects can affect maidenhairs.
- Safety: These are safe houseplants for dogs and cats, although ingestion shouldn't be encouraged.
How to grow a maidenhair fern outdoors
Hardy maidenhair ferns love a sheltered shady spot, with their roots in humus-rich well-drained soil, and both are fond of walls and rockeries. Retentive earth is best; A. venustum in particular must have moist soil; it will grow in semi-shade or shade and is the hardier of the two.
