The Care of Maidenhair Ferns

A healthy maidenhair fern.

Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum spp.) are herbaceous perennials native to North America. According to the University of Florida, maidenhair ferns are extremely delicate and fine-textured with light grey-green, soft foliage. It is best used as a groundcover, planted in massed groups of 2 to 3 plants spaced 1 to 2 feet apart, or used as edging for small gardens. Better for shaded areas, maidenhair ferns grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet and a width of up to 2 feet. The care of maidenhair ferns is dependent upon understanding the sun and water needs of the plant, the areas in which they thrive and optimal methods of maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Alkaline soil high in organic matter
• Water
• Natural water source
• Shaded area
• Pesticide

Instructions

1. 

   Place your ferns in an area shaded by trees.

   Place your ferns in the shade. Maidenhair ferns thrive in full to partial shade so it is important to keep them in shaded areas away from direct sunlight.

2. Locate your maidenhair ferns near a natural water source when possible. Maidenhair ferns prefer above average humidity; planting a maidenhair fern near a pond or other water source provides your fern with the necessary moisture it needs and is a natural way to keep ferns from drying out. According to the University of Vermont, the minimum humidity levels for healthy maidenhair ferns are 30 to 50 percent humidity; maidenhair ferns' native climate often has a humidity level of 70 percent or more.

3. Water your maidenhair fern with consistent waterings; maidenhair ferns prefer moist, well-drained soil. Moist soil is hydrated but not soggy; the texture of the soil must allow excess moisture to drain away. Pay attention to how much water your maidenhair fern uses by checking its surrounding soil daily and watering accordingly. Most maidenhair ferns prefer 1 inch of water per week. Taking care that maidenhair ferns receive the correct amount of water is significant; do not allow soil to dry out between waterings. Dry soil will diminish a maidenhair fern's overall health to the extent that one experience with dry soil will cause a maidenhair fern to immediately begin to dry out and appear to be dead. Also, excessively wet, poorly drained soil may cause root rot.

4. Maintain optimal soil to care for a maidenhair fern. Maidenhair ferns do best in soil high in organic matter. Also, these perennials prefer alkaline soil to acid soil. Consider using compost to provide your maidenhair ferns with the organic matter they need.

5. Monitor your maidenhair ferns for pest and disease problems. Though maidenhair ferns are not highly susceptible to sickness, there is still a potential for disease. Maidenhair fern problems, according to the University of Florida, include scale, mites, mealy bugs, snails, and slugs. Problems that arise are generally not serious, but if you are concerned, consider preventative pesticides. The best method of care for a maidenhair fern is simply to keep an eye on the health of your plant and to assess any issues if they arise.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Adiantum spp. Maidenhair Fern
• University of Vermont Extension The Green Mountain Gardener: GROWING FERNS SUCCESSFULLY INDOORS; Dr. Leonard Perry. Extension Professor
• BackyardGardener.com: Adiantum raddianum (Variegatum Maidenhair Fern)