Only spread a fern-frond over a man’s head and worldly cares are cast out, and freedom and beauty and peace come in. ~John Muir
One of the most beautiful and unusual ferns is also one I have been trying to grow for a few years now. And I finally have had a bit of success. I am talking about Adiantum pedatum more commonly called Northern maidenhair fern part of the Maidenhair Fern Family or (Pteridaceae). Because of its finger-like fronds, it is also called the five-fingered fern. I think the fronds look like a web or fan in a circular shape.
This deciduous, clump-forming, fern typically grows about a foot in my garden even now as the autumn cold winds howl. But they can get up to two feet tall in the wild. The thin black stems don’t look strong enough to support the fronds. But this fern is not as delicate as it looks and can withstand many tough environments.
Look for pink to burgundy colored young fiddleheads to appear in early spring. And the roots are as wiry as the stems forming colonies if they are grown in favorable conditions. I can only hope to grow a colony of this amazing fern.
I am linking in with Gail@Clay and Limestone for her Wildflower Wednesday meme as I profile this wonderful native plant, and with Christina@Creating my own garden of the Hesperides for her Garden Bloggers Foliage Day on the 22nd.
And I am also joining forces with a local native plant nursery, Amanda’s Garden, to purchase native plants for my garden, similar to the one I am profiling in this post. The owner, Ellen Folts, specializes in woodland, prairie and wetland native perennials.
It is said this fern is quite easy to grow. Of course it needs just the right conditions. It adores from heavy shade to part shade, but shade is essential or the fronds will turn brown. And it likes soil that is well-drained but damp to moist, and not wet. The soil should be rich like that growing under trees with years of leafy loam. It does not like clay soil as I have found out the hard way. And it will grow in mostly acidic soil and tolerate neutral pH too.
In dry soil the fern will go dormant and it may not reappear if the soil is dry for too long as in a drought. It also prefers a sheltered area away from too much wind.
This fern is said to be resistant to browsing deer, and has no serious insect or disease problems, thankfully.
Northern maidenhair ferns reproduce by spores that mature in late summer and fall. You can put the spores into sterile potting mix, mist and cover with a clear plastic lid to propagate. But it is easier to divide the roots during the spring when the fiddleheads are just emerging (pictured here) or in late fall as the fern is becoming dormant.
Northern maidenhair ferns that form a colony are great cover for small mammals, birds, lizards and toads.
Adiantum laevigatum, also known as the smooth maidenhair fern, is a gorgeous plant that can transform any outdoor space into a lush, tropical paradise With its delicate, lacy fronds and graceful arching stems, this fern adds delicate beauty to gardens, patios, and landscaping
While adiantum laevigatum thrives indoors, it also grows wonderfully in outdoor environments. By following some simple tips, you can have a thriving and gorgeous adiantum laevigatum garden.
Choosing the Right Location
When growing adiantum laevigatum outdoors, site selection is key. This fern thrives in shady spots and should be protected from direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate foliage Some dappled sunlight in the morning is fine, but afternoon sun should be avoided
Look for a location that provides shade most of the day. Areas on the east side of a home or underneath larger plants, trees or shrubs are ideal. You can also add shade structures like pergolas or garden canopies if needed.
Perfect Soil Conditions
Adiantum laevigatum prefers loose, well-draining soil that retains some moisture. Heavy clay soils or very sandy soils won’t provide the air circulation and drainage this plant needs.
Amend your garden beds with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and moisture retention. You can also mix in some perlite or vermiculite to add air pockets. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0-7.5.
Consistent Moisture is Key
Smooth maidenhair ferns require consistently moist soil. Their roots are very sensitive to drying out. Aim to keep the soil damp but not soggy.
Provide about 1-2 inches of water per week. Water at the base of the plant and avoid getting the foliage wet. Use mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture. In very hot or windy conditions, you may need to water more frequently.
Regular Fertilization
Fertilize adiantum laevigatum monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Look for a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula. This will provide key nutrients for healthy growth and lush foliage.
Discontinue fertilizer in the winter when growth slows. Resume monthly feedings in spring when new growth appears. Avoid over-fertilizing which can burn the fern’s tender roots.
Prune for Shape and Size
Trim adiantum laevigatum regularly to maintain its desired size and shapely form. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off any dead, damaged, yellowing, or unsightly fronds.
Pruning is best done in early spring. Remove any frost-damaged foliage and trim back overly long or wayward fronds. You can prune lightly during the summer as needed to shape and contain plants.
Provide Winter Protection
In colder climates, adiantum laevigatum will benefit from some winter protection. Cover the ferns with evergreen boughs or frost cloth once temperatures drop below freezing.
Container-grown plants should be moved into an unheated garage or cellar for winter. Keep plants moist and avoid exposing them to freezing temperatures or frost.
Propagate with Division
Mature adiantum laevigatum plants can be divided every 2-3 years in spring to propagate new plants. Carefully dig up the plant and gently pull apart the root mass into smaller sections. Replant the divisions in prepared garden beds.
Divisions should have a good amount of roots and some fronds. Keep them consistently watered as they establish over the first few months. Dividing frequently keeps plants lush and full.
Add Compost Tea or Mulch
Boost your adiantum laevigatum garden with occasional feedings of compost tea or applications of mulch. The nutrients and organic matter will enhance soil quality and support vigorous fern growth.
Make compost tea by steeping high-quality compost in water for a few days. Strain, dilute and apply the resulting “tea” around your ferns. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of shredded bark, leaves, or other organic mulch to inhibit weeds and retain moisture.
Monitor for Pests
Check adiantum laevigatum frequently for common fern pests like scales, spider mites, or mealybugs. These sap-sucking insects can weaken and damage plants if left unchecked.
Remove pests manually or use insecticidal soap sprays for heavy infestations. Maintaining optimal growing conditions and avoiding stress will make ferns less susceptible to pests.
Have Realistic Expectations
Adiantum laevigatum plants are quite delicate and fragile compared to many outdoor plants. Some leaf browning, occasional damage, and die back in extreme conditions are normal. Don’t expect these ferns to be as tough as shrubs or perennials.
Focus on providing the humid, sheltered environment these plants prefer and avoid stressors. A little extra care goes a long way for stunning adiantum laevigatum!
With the right location, soil, moisture and care, adiantum laevigatum can transform an outdoor space into a lush ferny wonderland. Follow these tips for successfully growing smooth maidenhair ferns in gardens, patios or landscaped beds. A little effort yields huge visual impact from this elegant plant.
Where Are They Found
Northern maidenhair fern grows in zones 4-8 in most of Eastern North America.
It is found in its native habitat in moist (but not wet), cool woodlands particularly in northern exposures. I have mine growing on the north side of my house in the richly amended protected shade garden.
Northern maidenhair fern can also be found along springs and streams.
Northern maidenhair ferns are perfect for a native shade garden, shaded rock garden or woodland garden and along shaded paths.
You can combine it with non-natives like hostas and brunneras or with native flowers such as violets, trilliums, cardinal flower, hepatica, bloodroot, and native azaleas and rhododendrons. Also combine them with larger natives like yellow lady slipper orchid, wild geranium, and Virginia bluebells.
Be careful when you spot them in the wild as they have a very dangerous partner growing with them, poison ivy.
The shiny, dark stems of this fern are also used in basketry.
Northern maidenhair ferns were used by Native American Tribes to treat fevers, rheumatism, coughing, asthma, gynecological issues and to purify the blood. As always, consult an expert before using plants as a remedy.
It was also used as a rinse for shiny hair. Perhaps that is how it got its common name.
In Smoky Mountain folklore, they say if a maiden handles the stem and the leaves don’t flicker, her virtue is assured.
In the Language of Flowers Maidenhair ferns stand for Discretion and Secrecy.
The forest makes your heart gentle. You become one with it… No place for greed or anger there. ~ Pha Pachak
Let’s give a maiden hair fern a try! #fernplant #plantcaretips
FAQ
What is the secret to growing maidenhair fern?
How to care for maidenhair fern outdoors?
Where is the best place to put a maidenhair fern?
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.
Can Adiantum grow indoors?
Scale insects can occur when growing Adiantum indoors. Adiantum is susceptible to aphids, fungus gnats, and mealybugs. Use a soap spray to control insect pests. Fungal root rots can occur but are rare. Propagate Adiantum by dividing the plant’s crown in early spring. Sow spores as soon as ripe at room temperature.
Is Adiantum aleuticum A fern?
Adiantum aleuticum, Western maidenhair, native to Western North America and eastern Asia, is a similar species. Hardy in Zones 2 to 8. A. capillus-veneris, Southern maidenhair fern, to 1.5 feet (.5m) tall, fronds twice divided but not forked, glistens in shade. Zones 7 to 10. A. hispidulum , Rosy maidenhair, native to tropics of Asia, Africa.