With its numerous rounded and delicate leaves and its bushy overall shape, the maidenhair fern looks lovely. As a houseplant, it looks particularly good in hanging baskets, for example in the bathroom. But he can only stay he althy with the right care!
How do I properly care for a maidenhair fern?
Proper care for the maidenhair fern includes regular watering without waterlogging, using lime-free, lukewarm water, fertilizing at 2 to 4 week intervals (April to August) with liquid green plant fertilizer and no pruning, except for dry or brown stems Leaf tips.
What should you pay attention to when watering?
Watering the maidenhair fern is not for beginners or forgetful plant lovers. On the one hand, the maidenhair fern must not dry out and, on the other hand, it must not stand in water. Both dryness and waterlogging harm it.
You should note the following:
- water less in winter
- Use lime-free or stale irrigation water
- lukewarm water is optimal
- The soil should dry slightly before watering again
- spray additionally in summer if necessary
Which fertilizer is suitable and how often should it be fertilized?
As a houseplant, the maidenhair fern cannot do without regular fertilizer. But basically its nutrient requirements are comparatively low. It doesn't need fertilizer in winter. From April until the end of August it should receive external nutrients at regular intervals.
However, be careful not to over-fertilize! The intervals between fertilizer applications should be 2 to 4 weeks. Use a weak liquid fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) for green plants and add it to the irrigation water!
Can you cut the maidenhair fern if necessary?
Basically, a maidenhair fern does not need any pruning. It gradually renews itself over time. You can only cut off dry stems. To do this, place the scissors above the substrate. Brown leaf tips can also be cut off. If necessary, you can also thin out the maidenhair fern after overwintering (remove withered shoots).
Which care errors often occur?
The maidenhair fern is most often watered incorrectly. As a result, its leaves briefly curl up. This is an indication that it has not received enough water or the humidity is too low. Brown fronds appear after a long period of drought.
Which pests and diseases can make themselves felt?
This fern is usually not susceptible to disease. But if the maidenhair fern is weakened, for example by poor care, pests such as aphids, scale insects, spider mites and thrips can make life difficult for it.
Tip
If the roots are already visible on the surface, the maidenhair fern should be repotted!
