The pretty maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) makes a gorgeous, leafy house plant. Each frond bears small, delicate, apple-green leaves held on contrasting dark stems and the plant has an elegant, arching shape. It’s also known as Venus hair fern or Delta hair fern, and is sometimes sold as Adiantum rubellum or Adiantum cuneatum. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek word ‘adiantos’, which means ‘unwetted’ – water rolls off the leaves.
The maidenhair fern has a reputation of being a little tricky to grow – its leaves have a tendency to turn brown when something is wrong with its growing conditions. To grow it successfully, you need to replicate its natural environment. It’s native to tropical regions and is often found growing in cracks in rocks, especially near waterfalls, where it gets moisture from constant water run off. This means it does best in a humid environment, with moist soil. A maidenhair fern is perfect for growing in a steamy bathroom, bottle garden or terrarium.
Adiantum laevigatum, also known as smooth maidenhair fern, is a delicate and graceful plant loved for its airy, lacy fronds. While it’s mainly grown for its ornamental value, pollinating your Adiantum laevigatum can significantly increase its yield of spores for propagating new plants This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pollinating your maidenhair fern.
Adiantum laevigatum is a soft tender fern native to east Asia Australia, and the Pacific Islands. It’s an evergreen perennial that grows up to 18 inches tall and wide, with fan-shaped fronds arising on black wiry stems. The fronds range from light to emerald green depending on light exposure.
This easy-to-grow fern thrives in humid environments with indirect sunlight. It makes an excellent houseplant or terrarium specimen. Outdoors, it does best in partly shady gardens in warm climates. With proper care, maidenhair ferns can live 10 years or longer.
Why Pollinate Adiantum Laevigatum?
While Adiantum laevigatum is mainly valued for its delicate foliage, pollinating it has several benefits:
-
Increased spore production – Pollination allows the plant to produce more spores which are used to propagate new maidenhair ferns. This lets you multiply your plant collection.
-
Improved health – Pollinated ferns tend to produce more robust growth and lush fronds. The plant will look more vibrant when pollinated.
-
Horticultural interest – Watching the pollination and spore development process can be fascinating for plant enthusiasts.
How Does Pollination Work in Ferns?
Ferns reproduce via spores rather than seeds. On the undersides of mature fronds are small brown dots called sori. Sori produce male and female spore-producing cells called antheridia and archegonia. Here is the pollination process:
-
Antheridia release sperm cells that swim through a film of moisture to reach archegonia.
-
When archegonia are fertilized by the sperm, they develop into spores over a period of weeks.
-
Mature spores detach and spread by wind or water to grow new ferns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pollinating Maidenhair Ferns
Follow these steps for successful maidenhair fern pollination:
Tools Needed
-
Small paintbrush or cotton swab
-
Hand lens or magnifying glass
-
Spray bottle of water
1. Identify Mature Fronds
Select fronds that are fully expanded and developed. Check for brown sori on the undersides.
2. Transfer Pollen Between Sori
Use a paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from sori on one frond to another.
3. Mist with Water
Lightly mist ferns with water after pollinating to activate sperm and facilitation fertilization.
4. Label Pollinated Fronds
Mark pollinated fronds with ties or tags so you don’t disturb them while developing spores.
5. Wait for Spore Maturity
It takes 4-6 weeks for new spores to fully form after pollination.
6. Harvest Spores
Once mature, sori will burst open releasing spores. Brush or tap them into an envelope to collect.
Tips for Successful Pollination
-
Pollinate in the morning when humidity is highest.
-
Gently move pollen to avoid damaging fragile fronds and sori.
-
Keep ferns humid after pollinating by misting or using a pebble tray.
-
Don’t over-pollinate. Excess pollen can cause fungal growth on fronds.
-
Remove pollinated fronds once spores are harvested to encourage new growth.
-
Store collected spores in envelopes in a cool dry place until sowing.
Using Spores to Propagate New Plants
Once harvested, fern spores can be used to grow new maidenhair ferns:
-
Best time to sow spores is early spring.
-
Sprinkle spores thinly over moist sterile potting mix.
-
Cover containers with plastic to maintain humidity.
-
Keep mix moist but not saturated.
-
Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks at 65-75°F (18-24°C).
-
Transplant sprouted spores once small ferns form.
Troubleshooting Common Fern Pollination Issues
Problem: Fronds are damaged during pollination.
Solution: Use a lighter touch when moving pollen between sori. Avoid excess moisture on fronds.
Problem: No spores are developing after pollination.
Solution: Check for immature fronds. Wait a few more weeks for spore maturity. Ensure humidity levels are adequate.
Problem: Spores rot after sowing.
Solution: Avoid over-watering spores. Allow surface of mix to dry slightly between waterings.
Problem: Poor spore germination rate.
Solution: Ensure temperature is ideal 65-75°F. Sow fresh spores <1 year old. Surface sow thinly.
Pollinating your Adiantum laevigatum maidenhair fern enables you to collect spores for propagating new plants. Follow the techniques outlined and you’ll soon have baby ferns sprouting up all over. Enjoy watching your collection multiply as you become more adept at ferning pollination!
How to plant a maidenhair fern
Plant into a pot filled with peat-free multi-purpose compost, ensuring the root ball just above the soil surface. Water in well, allowing any excess to drain away.
How to repot a maidenhair fern
Repot your maidenhair fern every year or two years – whenever the roots have filled the pot. The best time to do this is in spring. Pot into a pot that is slightly larger than the rootball.
Best Garden Ferns – Adiantum pedatum (Maidenhair Fern)
FAQ
How to split a maidenhair fern?
Where is the best place to put a maidenhair fern?
What is the secret to growing maidenhair fern?
How do you care for Adiantum?
Is Adiantum a good plant for beginners?
The Adiantum (Maidenhair fern) is not the best plant for beginners, but also not very difficult to take care of. 1 . How to take care of a Fern indoors Ferns are beautiful plants with a lot of textures, shapes, and sizes. There are a lot of different ferns, each with their own characteristics.
How do you grow Adiantum?
Plant Adiantum in well-drained, neutral to limy soil enriched with organic matter. Add agricultural lime to acid soils according to soil test results. Adiantum species listed as tender or indoor plants sometimes succeed in sheltered places in mild-winter areas. Set Adiantum in the garden in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
What is Adiantum fern?
Adiantum is a genus of ferns that are native to tropical and subtropical regions across the world. They are characterized by their delicate fronds, which can vary in color from bright green to dark purple depending on species. The leaves have a unique texture resembling lace or hair, hence its common name “Maidenhair Fern”.
Are Adiantum a houseplant?
Adiantum are grown for their delicate and elegant foliage. Adiantum are tender plants that need shelter from the wind and hot sun and protection from winter cold. They are often grown as houseplants. Adiantum is a genus of more than 200 species. Adiantum is native to tropical and subtropical areas of North and South America.