Sunlight is the fuel that powers photosynthesis in plants allowing them to grow and thrive. For the beautiful Adiantum laevigatum plant, getting the right amount of light is crucial for healthy development. In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore how much light this delicate fern needs to reach its full potential.
Adiantum laevigatum, also known as the smooth maidenhair fern, is a gorgeous variety belonging to the Adiantum genus. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, these plants feature lacy, fan-shaped fronds on long slender stems. Their delicate appearance makes them extremely popular as houseplants.
While they prefer shaded spots, Adiantum laevigatum still needs adequate light to photosynthesize. Too much sun will scorch the plant, while too little light results in weak growth So what’s the optimal amount of light for these plants? Let’s take a closer look
Light Requirements for Adiantum Laevigatum
Being native to the rainforests, Adiantum laevigatum thrives in low to medium indirect light. Direct sun is too harsh and will quickly damage the thin fronds. The ideal conditions are bright filtered light for 4-6 hours daily.
Here are some specifics:
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Indoors Place the plant near an east or west-facing window where it gets gentle morning or afternoon sun North-facing windows also work well. If keeping it further away from the window, provide supplemental lighting with LED or fluorescent bulbs
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Outdoors: Grow Adiantum laevigatum in a partially shaded spot, protected from intense mid-day and afternoon sun. Dappled shade under trees is perfect.
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Light intensity: This plant grows best with 200-800 foot candles of light. Measure with a light meter to be sure.
Getting the lighting right prevents potential problems down the road. Too much light leads to scorching and bleaching of the foliage. Too little light causes spindly, weak growth.
Signs Your Adiantum Laevigatum Needs More Light
Keep an eye out for these clues that your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight:
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Slow growth and reduced new fronds
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Fronds are small and spaced far apart
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Stems becoming long and leggy as the plant reaches for light
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Foliage appearing light green or yellowish
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Fronds dying back or turning brown
If you notice any of these issues, gradually move the Adiantum laevigatum to a brighter location. This gives the plant time to adapt without shocking it. Continue monitoring and adjust the lighting as needed.
Providing the Right Amount of Light
Optimizing the light levels for your Adiantum laevigatum encourages lush, vibrant growth. Here are some tips:
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Outdoors: Site it in a north or east-facing location. Use sheer curtains to filter intense western sun. Provide afternoon shade if planting on the south side.
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Indoors: An east or west-facing window is ideal. Draw sheer curtains on very bright days. Supplement with grow lights if needed. Rotate the plant periodically for even exposure.
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Use sheer curtains: These soften direct sunlight to create the bright, filtered light these ferns prefer.
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Add supplemental lighting: If ambient light is low, use full spectrum LED or fluorescent grow lights for 2-4 hours daily.
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Rotate the plant: Turn the pot periodically for uniform light exposure to all sides.
With a bit of care and strategic positioning, you can provide the right amount of brightness for your Adiantum laevigatum to grow lush and strong. Just watch for signs of too much or too little light and adjust accordingly. With the proper lighting, this elegant plant will thrive indoors or out.
Common Questions about Lighting for Adiantum Laevigatum
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about lighting requirements for this plant:
How much direct sun can Adiantum laevigatum tolerate?
Adiantum laevigatum prefers bright indirect sunlight. A couple hours of early morning or late afternoon sun is usually fine but prolonged direct sun will damage the delicate foliage. Filter the light or provide shade during peak daylight hours.
Can I grow Adiantum laevigatum in a low light area?
This plant requires at least moderate light to grow well. Low light results in stunted, leggy growth. If you don’t have a bright spot, provide supplemental lighting for best results.
Should I use a grow light for my indoor Adiantum laevigatum?
Grow lights are very beneficial if the ambient light in a room is inadequate. Look for full spectrum LED or fluorescent bulbs that provide 200-800 foot candles of brightness for the plant.
How far from a window is too far for Adiantum laevigatum?
More than 10 feet away from a window is generally too dark. The closer the better! If further away, add grow lights to make up for the lack of natural light.
With its delicate good looks, the Adiantum laevigatum fern brings graceful elegance wherever it grows. Give this beauty the light it craves, and you’ll be rewarded with a lush, thriving plant.
Maidenhair Fern
Achingly delicate this fern is reminiscent of the beautiful Roman ruins and abandoned grottoes.
in partnership with Leaf Culture
Bright light best described by South, South East or South West facing window, avoid direct sunlight. If placed in direct sun ensure that humidity and soil moisture is maintained. Will cope with light shade.
Keep moist but not soggy from May – August. Reduce water during winter month, but don’t allow soil to dry out.
During hot summer days spray with a fine mist at the base where young fronds emerge. Avoid spraying the leaves directly. Residual mist is beneficial as it creates a perfect moist atmosphere. Group with other plants for added humidity. Avoid temperature dropping below 13°C (55°F).
Give liquid feed every four weeks during active growing season. This type of fern tends to grow in the cracks of rocks and thus doesnt mind being pot bound. Repot in spring when you notice slowing down of fresh growth. Propagate by division before active growth begins.
Stunted growth, yellowing soft and limp leaves.
A sign of over-watering. Some plants may present this with water-soaked spots or blisters known as oedema. Take the plant out of its plant pot and place on a saucer to allow for air circulation and a chance for the plant to dry out. Take this opportunity to investigate any damage to the roots. Healthy roots are turgid and white. If the stems near the soil are soggy and show signs of rot, the damage has gone quite far.
Shrivelled fronds that are struggling to unfold.
Increase humidity at the centre where the fronds emerge. You may wish to add sphagnum moss around the plant for additional water retention.
Leaves turned dull bronze and dropping, noticeable webs appear.
The most likely culprits are red spider mites. They are most active between March – October and love dry environments. Take the infected plant out immediately. Make sure to check all your other plants for cross contamination. Remove the plant from the pot and wash out the soil until the roots clean. Clean your pot thoroughly. Repot the fern in fresh soil and keep quarantined until the plant is re-established and new growth appears. Ensure the soil is kept moist to avoid new infestation. Return the plant to its original place once you are confident the problem has been conquered.
White cottony clumps appear on the underside of the leaves.
This is an infestation caused by the mealy bug. Use a cotton swab dipped in the rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl) to remove the clumps and disinfect the area. If the problem is severe conquer it with Neem Oil.
We show plant size as a range, as plants are living things and vary in dimensions throughout the year. We do our best to give a guide as to the size you can expect.
All plants are measured from the bottom of the nursery pot to the tip of the plant.
Arrives in a nursery grow pot.
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