Maidenhair ferns (adiantum species) - Care and growing conditions

Maidenhair ferns (adiantum species) are a large group of ferns with over 150 species and are a well known fern for growing indoors although with proper care and in the right conditions many varieties can be grown outdoors as well. Maidenhair Ferns like constant conditions, and a little humidity, they like to settle and be left alone, not moved around. Maidenhair ferns species readily available for sale in Australia

Adiantum gracillimum (picture right) is a shade loving delicate fine leafed maidenhair fern that is widely grown in pots as an indoor plant, it can also be grown successfully outdoors in a shaded moist position. Filtered light is best for this one, not direct sun. If you can find a warm moist position it will thrive.

Adiantum aethiopicum is the common maidenhair, easier to grow than most in an outdoor situation. A. raddianum fragrantissimum is a sub species, and probably the most commonly grown indoors. A. fulvum is the 'New Zealand Maidenhair' a more erect species with foliage not as fine as others.

Look for Adiantum raddianum variegatum with its attractive variegated foliage.

GROWING CONDITIONS and CARE
Maidenhair Ferns grow well is a moist shady position and do well in containers indoors. A well lit area but with indirect light is best. Maidenhair Ferns will grow to 1m depending on species and conditions. They do not like cold and although they like moisture do not like soggy conditions.

Adiantum or Maidenhair fern species include:

• A. aethiopicum (Creeping Maidenhair Fern )
• A. aleuticum (Western Maidenhair fern)
• A. capillus-veneris (Black maidenhair fern)
• A. fulvum (New Zealand Maidenhair)
• A. hispidulum (Rosy Maidenhair)
• A. jordanii California Maiden Hair Fern)
• A. pedatum (Northern maidenhair)
• A. peruvianum (Silver-dollar fern - picture right))
• A. raddianum
• A. raddianum 'Mist'
• A. tenerum 'Bessoniae'
• A. tenerum 'Lady Moxam'
• A. tenerum 'Gloriosum Roseum'
• A. venustum (Himlayan Maidenhair Fern)