Maidenhair ferns' leaves are reminiscent of meadow rue. But the plants have little in common with flowering plants other than the shape of their leaves. The fern family impresses as decorative foliage plants. If you pay attention to the location requirements, you can also plant maidenhair ferns outdoors.
What conditions does the maidenhair fern prefer?
Maidenhair fern (Adiantum) is a species-rich genus of ferns with decorative, fan-shaped leaves. They prefer partially shaded to shady locations, high humidity and temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. As foliage plants they are suitable for pots, beds or hanging baskets.
Origin
Maidhair ferns are a species-rich genus within the fringe fern family that occurs worldwide. The species Adiantum capillus-veneris is the only species found in Europe. It thrives on wet limestone rocks and inhabits steep slopes in partially shaded areas. The fern occurs on river banks and streams. This common maidenhair fern is also offered as Venus hair.
The triangular maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) is one of the popular ornamental plants alongside the Venus hair. This plant originally comes from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Here they grow under warm and moist conditions in the understory of broad-crowned trees.
Growth
Adiantum species grow as perennial herbaceous plants with underground rhizomes. Depending on the species, the root tuber can be short or elongated. Some of the rhizomes branch out and are covered with yellowish to reddish-brown scales. The ferns grow bushy, upright and are between 30 and 100 centimeters high.
leaves
The leaves are reminiscent of fronds that are arranged alternately. The position of the leaves is hardly noticeable because the leaves are densely clustered. Its leaf blade is multi-pinnate and can be between 15 and 110 centimeters long. The shape of the leaf is reminiscent of the shape of a fan. Each leaflet has a wiry stalk, which is how the plant got its German name. The stems appear black-brown with a dark purple tint.
Bloom
As ferns, Adiantum species do not develop flowers. They reproduce by means of spores that are formed underneath the fertile leaf sections. These are curved downwards at the edge. The spores are yellow or brownish in color. They spread with the wind.
Usage
The foliage plants are cultivated in pots because most varieties do not survive the winter outdoors. The potted plants beautify dark corners of the garden in summer. They are suitable for decorating the edges of water bodies and decorate partially shaded stone niches and walls. Maidenhair ferns The plants can be cultivated upright or planted in hanging baskets. If you want to plant the maidenhair fern in the garden, you should use winter-hardy varieties.
Is maidenhair fern poisonous?
Little is known about the poisonous effects of maidenhair ferns. They are classified as slightly poisonous. Nausea and vomiting may occur after consumption. The toxic effect can be more intense on pets.
Which location is suitable?
Maidhair ferns prefer a partially shaded location. They also thrive in shady places. High humidity is crucial for vigorous growth. Temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius ensure optimal conditions. In winter the plants feel comfortable at 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. As moisture-loving potted plants, they are ideal for adding greenery to bathrooms. The plants don't like drafts.
What soil does the plant need?
Maidenhair ferns can be planted in regular potting soil. Soil for orchids is also suitable for cultivating ornamental plants. They like a nutrient-poor substrate with a low s alt content. The pH value should be in the acidic range.
The ideal mixture consists of:
- Compost
- Coconut fibers
- coarse leaf mold
- Planting time
Frost-sensitive varieties should be planted in the garden after the ice saints, when the temperatures no longer fall well below ten degrees Celsius at night. Hardy varieties can be planted between spring and late summer. The ideal planting time is between the end of March and the end of April. The plants then have enough time to form roots.
The correct planting distance
Place the ferns so close together that the distance between two plants is half the circumference of the root ball. The ferns feel comfortable when the planting hole is twice as deep as the root ball is high. Place pottery shards, quartz sand and pebbles in the hole to help water drain away. When filling in, use substrate that is free of weeds and root debris. You can improve the excavation with compost, peat or leaf mold.
Propagate Maidenhair Fern
The plants can be easily propagated by division. It is possible during the growing season. The spores are also suitable for propagation.
Division
To do this, you have to dig up the rhizomes growing shallowly below the surface of the earth and completely free them from the substrate. Use a sharp knife to divide. Each section should have at least three fern fronds so that the plant grows well. Plant the sections individually or together in small groups.
Spores
Cut off a fertile frond. You can recognize mature spores if brown dust sticks to your finger when you wipe them off. Place the fern frond on tissue paper so that the bottom is on the leaf. Place a container over the leaf so that the fine spores are not blown away. They settle on the paper and can then be sprinkled onto potting soil. Cover the spores thinly with sand. Keep the substrate continuously moist
Germination occurs:
- in a partially shaded location
- at temperatures between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius
- after three to four weeks
maidenhair fern in pot
Since maidenhair ferns prefer moist conditions, consider using a pot made of terracotta, clay, or stone. These materials regulate the moisture balance in the substrate as they absorb water and release it when it is dry. The rhizomes rot easily if moisture accumulates in the substrate. Therefore, the bucket should have a drainage hole and be lined with a layer of pebbles or pottery shards.
Balcony
The maidenhair fern feels comfortable on the balcony if protected conditions are guaranteed. A south-facing balcony is ideal. Place the pot against the wall of the house so that the plant does not get any drafts and benefits from the warm temperatures. Protect the fern from the direct midday sun.
In the greenhouse
The conditions here are optimal for he althy growth. Maidenhair ferns are protected from the direct sun behind frosted glass. The interior heats up, causing moisture to evaporate from the substrate. It increases the humidity, which benefits the ornamental plants.
Watering the maidenhair fern
Adiantum species have medium water requirements. Young ferns should be watered sparingly because their small leaf fronds require less water than the leaves of adult specimens. Allow the soil to dry on the surface before each watering. The root ball must not dry out as the fern quickly loses leaves. Irrigation sessions that are too intensive lead to root rot. The humidity in the room will be increased if you place the pot in a planter filled with gravel and water.
In extreme drought:
- Dip the bucket into a water bath
- leave it under water until no bubbles form
- Leaves should not get water as they burn quickly
Fertilize the maidenhair fern properly
The nutrient requirements are low. Use fertilizer sparingly, as the plants can easily be over-fertilized. If you grow the plants in a peat-based soil mix, they will enjoy a supply of nutrients every four to six weeks during the growing season. If you use a mixture of compost, leaf mold or normal potting soil, fertilization every eight to ten weeks is sufficient. Use liquid fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) in low concentration.
Cutting the maidenhair fern correctly
Regular cutting back is not necessary for the maidenhair fern. You can cut off dried fern fronds throughout the year to encourage the plant to sprout new growth. After winter, we recommend thinning out the dried shoots.
How do I transplant correctly?
As soon as the first roots emerge from the substrate, the maidenhair fern should be repotted. When doing this, shorten the roots by a third. As a result, the rhizome develops new fine roots and remains compact. The new pot should be twice as deep as the root ball. Once you have repotted the plant, you can cover the soil with gravel. The stones act as protection against evaporation, so that the moisture stays in the root area longer.
Pests
Aphids and spider mites often appear in indoor cultivation. Pest infestation is encouraged by low humidity. Check the moisture in the substrate regularly. You can combat the pests directly with oil-containing preparations. The oil film coats the leaves and traps the insects so that they can no longer breathe and die. You should avoid using solutions containing soap as the fern plant reacts sensitively to them. Maidenhair ferns do not tolerate pesticides.
Glassy spots on the leaves indicate an infestation by leaflets. They reach the plant via the irrigation water. The nematodes penetrate the organism through the stomata in the leaves, where they suck out the cells. In the early stages it is sufficient to cut off the affected leaves and dispose of them. If the pests have spread to the entire plant, you should remove them. This will prevent the nematodes from spreading to neighboring plants.
Brown leaves
If the fern fronds turn brown, this indicates a suboptimal location. The maidenhair fern prefers light locations. It tolerates hours of sunshine in the morning or evening. If the plant is exposed to the blazing midday sun, the leaves quickly burn and turn brown. Place potted plants outdoors in a sheltered location under trees. Make sure that the plant receives the same amount of light from all sides. This ensures even growth.
Tip
Maidenhair ferns harmonize with other ferns such as worm fern, crescent moon fern or palm leaf fern. They can also be planted in a pot with larger forest grasses such as Japanese sedge.
Varieties
- Brilliant Else: Golden yellow fern fronds, violet-pink shoots.
- Fragrantissimum: Upright leaf fronds that droop with age. Light green leaves, three to four times pinnate. Growth height up to 50 centimeters.
- Microphyllum: Finely pinnate foliage, overhanging growth.
- Variegatum Lüthi: Pinnate leaves green with white, fan-shaped stripes.
