Adiantum laevigatum also known as maidenhair fern is a graceful and delicate looking fern that can add a punch of texture and greenery to any indoor or outdoor space. With lacy, fan-shaped fronds and wiry black stems, this fern makes an excellent houseplant or container plant on a porch or patio.
Caring for an Adiantum laevigatum in a pot isn’t too difficult as long as you provide the right growing conditions. This fern thrives when given bright, indirect light, high humidity, warm temperatures, and moist, well-draining soil. With the proper care, your maidenhair fern can live up to 15 years!
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing Adiantum laevigatum in pots, including
- Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
- Watering and Humidity Needs
- Light and Temperature Requirements
- Fertilization
- Pruning and Repotting
- Pest Control
- Troubleshooting Common Problems
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
Picking the right pot and soil is key to getting your Adiantum laevigatum off to a good start. Here are some tips:
- Select a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Plastic and glazed ceramic pots work well.
- Go for a 6-8 inch pot for a small fern. Up to 12 inches for a large, mature plant.
- Use a fertile, peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
- You can also add compost or coco coir to help retain moisture.
- Avoid soil mixes with too much clay or sand which affect drainage.
Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent root rot in your maidenhair fern.
Proper Watering and Humidity
Maidenhair ferns need consistently moist soil to thrive. But you must avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Here are some tips:
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Make sure excess water can drain out the bottom of the pot.
- Empty any water that collects in the saucer to prevent soggy roots.
- High humidity is also vital. Place pots on pebble trays or use a humidifier.
- Mist the plant daily to boost moisture levels around the foliage.
Aim to keep the soil moist but never bone dry or sopping wet. Increase humidity as much as possible.
Light and Temperature Needs
Maidenhair ferns grow best in warmer temperatures with indirect or dappled light. Here’s what they require:
- Place in bright, indirect light or partial sun. Avoid hot direct sunlight.
- North or east facing windows are ideal indoor spots.
- Daytime temps between 70-80°F are optimal. Keep above 60°F at night.
- High heat and cold drafts can damage the delicate fronds. Provide warmth.
Monitor the light level and move plants if the fronds appear burnt or yellowed. Keep your fern in the warmest spot in your home.
Fertilizing Your Fern
Fertilizer is not strictly necessary for maidenhair ferns, but you can feed during the growing season to encourage new growth.
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half strength.
- Feed monthly in spring and summer. Discontinue in late fall/winter.
- Look for a fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 20-20-20.
- Always follow label directions for dilution and application.
Go easy on fertilizer, as maidenhair ferns are sensitive to fertilizer burn.
Pruning and Repotting
Occasional pruning and repotting helps keep your maidenhair fern looking its best:
- Prune away any dead, damaged, or yellow fronds at the base.
- Repot young plants annually. Mature plants every 2-3 years.
- Replant in spring before growth takes off.
- Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger to avoid overpotting.
Take care not to over prune or overpot, as this can shock the plant. Remove just damaged growth and repot only when truly needed.
Watching for Pests
Maidenhair ferns are rarely bothered by pests indoors, but watch for:
- Mealybugs and scale insects on fronds.
- Small webbing and stippling can indicate spider mites.
- Treat infestations quickly by spraying with insecticidal soap.
- You can also wipe pests away manually with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol.
- Remove badly infested fronds entirely.
Act swiftly if you detect any bugs to avoid major damage. Isolate affected plants away from healthy ones if needed.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best care, maidenhair ferns can sometimes develop issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Brown crispy fronds – This often signals underwatering. Increase watering frequency.
- Yellow fronds – Usually a sign of overwatering. Allow soil to dry out more before watering.
- Leaf drop – Can occur with underwatering or low humidity. Improve growing conditions.
- Tip burn – Indicates too much fertilizer or salts building up in soil. Flush soil and avoid overfertilizing.
- Leggy growth – Caused by insufficient light. Move plant to a brighter location.
Pay attention to your plant’s needs and adjust care accordingly if you notice any problems. With a little extra TLC, your maidenhair fern should perk back up!
Enjoying Your Lovely Fern
Caring for an Adiantum laevigatum fern in a pot is very rewarding when you give this graceful plant what it requires. With bright indirect light, high humidity, rich soil, ample warmth and conscientious watering, your maidenhair fern will thrive indoors or out.
Monitor your plant and make adjustments as needed. But otherwise, simply sit back and enjoy the delicate beauty this fern adds to your home or garden. With the proper care, your Adiantum laevigatum will live for many years, providing lush, delicate texture that looks beautiful in any setting.
Taxonomy Scientific name
New Zealand Maidenhair Fern needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5″ pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every 9
Does your plant get direct sunlight? No Yes
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Finding light for New Zealand Maidenhair Fern in your home
New Zealand Maidenhair Fern may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves , without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of New Zealand Maidenhair Fern in your home .
Adiantum raddianum (Maidenhair Fern) Houseplant Care — 238 of 365
FAQ
How to care for potted maidenhair fern?
Where is the best place to put a maidenhair fern?
Why are the leaves on my maidenhair fern going brown?
Do maidenhair ferns like big pots?
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 much water does Adiantum need?
Adiantum generally requires plenty of water to grow. It is preferred that you deploy an observation strategy when watering your fern instead of following a regular watering timetable to prevent drying or overwatering of your plant.
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”.