How to Grow Maidenhair

The maidenhair fern is a shade-dwelling plant scientifically referred to as Adiantaceae. The formal name is Greek and means "not wetting," meaning that the fronds seem to shed water without ever becoming wet. The tiny, lacy leaves of this deciduous plant have been used for medicinal purposes, treating everything from colds to liver problems. Beautiful in appearance and easy to maintain, the maidenhair fern is a fine addition to a shade garden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fertilizer
• Pebbles

1. Plant maidenhair ferns in the shade; if the plant is an indoor plant, keep it away from direct sunlight by not placing it in windowsills. Maidenhair ferns like temperatures above 70 degrees F and plenty of humidity. Bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens are great places within the home to keep maidenhair ferns.

2. Make sure the plant has properly irrigated soil. Standing water on the roots can be harmful to these plants. For an indoor plant, it can be helpful to place the pot on a tray of pebbles to allow air circulation through the top and bottom.

3. Water the maidenhair regularly, especially in the summer months, to keep it from drying out. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet.

4. Repot the plant when the roots fill the pot it is in. This is the time to separate the roots and propagate the plant into several more plants.

5. Fertilize the plants with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks from September to March. Fish Emulsion and Maidenhair Magic can be found at a local home and garden store, and are ideal for maidenhair ferns.

Tips & Warnings

• The plant to go dormant if temperatures drop below 60 degrees F or the plant becomes too dry.

References

• Flora of North America
• About Ferns