It's not necessary to fertilize a maidenhair fern, as the plant will do just fine without it. However, if you wish to provide it with an added dose of nutrients, feed with a balanced, diluted blend of fertilizer once a month. Avoid any fertilizer with too much nitrogen (use 200 ppm or less), which can cause the tips of the leaves to burn.
How to care for maidenhair ferns?
1 Light. In their natural forest environment, maidenhair ferns are primarily covered by a canopy of trees, receiving a bit of shade and a bit of partial sunlight. 2 Soil. Maidenhair ferns prefer moist but well-draining potting soil. ... 3 Water. ... 4 Temperature and Humidity. ... 5 Fertilizer. ...
Are maidenhair ferns safe for dogs and cats?
Maidenhair ferns are non-toxic for most pets such as dogs and cats and safe for babies, which is one of the many reasons they are kept as a common houseplant. Maidenhair ferns are well known for being delicate and complex to care for. They grow naturally in the wild, where other plants won’t be able to survive.
How do I take care of my ferns?
Hi Eve! At this point, the only thing you can do is to just provide good, consistent care, and pay special attention to your soil moisture. Consistent soil moisture for ferns is way more important than humidity.
What zone is maidenhair ferns in?
The fronds of the maidenhair fern are its identity. Though this plant offers to be exceptionally good as ground covers and landscape plants outdoors, it is renowned as a great indoor, ornamental plant. The scientific name is Adiantum pedatum. The USDA zone is 3 - 8.
How do you make maidenhair fern Fuller?
Maidenhair ferns need to be in a very bright position. Look for a spot where there is enough natural (indirect) light that you don't always have to use any electric lighting to be in the space comfortably. If the room is a bit darker try to keep the fern closer to window to maximize how much light it receives.
How often should I fertilize my maidenhair fern?
monthly year-roundFertilize monthly year-round with a half-strength liquid fertilizer. It's best to only repot when your plant is root-bound, and preferably in the spring. Repot in a rich, high quality soil, such as a potting soil amended with 25% compost.
How do I keep my maidenhair fern healthy?
Cut it fully back and water often and lots of it. Keep soil wet. Don't let them be in a breeze ever, don't have them somewhere they'll be bumped, mist daily in summer and at least weekly in colder months. Keep soil moist but don't let it sit in water.
How do you keep maidenhair ferns moist?
Tip 1: Don't touch the leaves. ... Tip 2: Don't re-pot it. ... Tip 3: Water it when it's dry but don't overdo it. ... Tip 4: Mist it every day. ... Tip 5: Don't place it anywhere there are drafts. ... Tip 6: Make sure it gets lots of indirect light.
Are Epsom salts good for maidenhair fern?
It turns out that ferns are like people this way: they need magnesium and sulphur, too. And they can lose these substances over time through watering. Epsom salt to the rescue! Epsom salt has minerals perfect for fern growth and fern care.
Should I mist my maidenhair fern?
Maidenhair is also intolerant of low humidity or dry air from heating or cooling vents when grown in the home. Therefore, you will either need to mist the plant daily or set it on a water-filled pebble tray.
What does Epsom salt do for ferns?
They help in chlorophyll production, healthy plant growth, and resistance against diseases and pest. Both of them are required if you want to grow Lush and Green Ferns.
Why are the tips of my maidenhair fern leaves turning brown?
The most common cause of brown leaves in ferns is low humidity. This means the air around the plant is too dry. Use a humidifier near the plant to keep the humidity around 40 – 60 percent or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase moisture in the air.
Can you revive a dried out maidenhair fern?
3:555:33How to save an Adiantum 'Maidenhair Fern' that has been left too dryYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this is why this is ty nice earth as I say ferns have the ability also to absorb water andMoreAnd this is why this is ty nice earth as I say ferns have the ability also to absorb water and humidity through their leaves and stems as well as through the roots. So it's humidity.
Where should I place my maidenhair fern?
Always keep your fern directly in front of a window. For maidenhair ferns, a nice big Northern exposure window is ideal. You can even grow them in windows with some direct sun indoors (East or West), but just be vigilant with watering as they will dry out quicker.
When should I water my maidenhair fern?
Your best bet when it comes to ensuring your maidenhair fern thrives is to focus on multiple water sources for this thirsty species. Consistently moist soil is a great place to start—from there, be sure to water your fern consistently, either daily or every other day, never allowing the soil to dry out.
Why is my fern turning brown and crispy?
The tips of ferns turn brown due to underwatering. Ferns require the soil to be consistently moist, but not saturated. If the soil dries out between bouts of watering, the fern's leaves turn brown and crispy at the tips due to a lack of moisture around the roots. Smaller pots dry out more quickly.
I forgot to water my Maidenhair, and now it has dried out. Can it be brought back to life?
Maidenhair fern does not die if it accidentally dries out. Take it out of its container, letting it soak in water for some time. Let the excess wat...
My entire plant is healthy except for one frond that has entirely turned brown and died. Why?
Browning and dying is a normal part of the life of Maidenhair ferns. The old fronds will die back to make space for new ones to grow. Trim away the...
Are Maidenhair ferns toxic?
Maidenhair ferns are non-toxic for most pets such as dogs and cats and safe for babies, which is one of the many reasons they are kept as a common...
How to keep maidenhair ferns from drying up?
Placing the maidenhair ferns upon a half-filled pebble tray prevents them from drying up. ► Spraying the plant with warm water a couple of times a day may help in restoring the moisture. The process is better known as misting. ► The temperature must always remain warm, but scorching heat hampers its growth.
Where do maidenhair ferns grow?
Hence, the name “maidenhair.”. Ferns are known to grow in places where other plants seldom grow. One such fern is the maidenhair fern, which is spotted in woodlands, in the fissures of rocks, or simply under the shade of big trees in a damp yard. It is a native of America, but creeps all over the planet if conditions are ripe for its growth.
Why is my maidenhair fern turning brown?
Premature leaf fall is also a result of low moisture and humidity. ► If you witness the green foliage turning brown, you need to check the conditions in which you are growing your maidenhair fern. Inadequate watering or hard water is one of the causes.
What is a fern gardener?
Ferns are one of the most primitive plants that have adapted themselves to changing environmental conditions. These tiny bunches of leaves, like that of the maidenhair fern, require a little more than average care on our part. Gardenerdy gives some handy tips that are to be incorporated.
What is a fern?
Ferns are one of the most primitive plants that have adapted themselves to changing environmental conditions. These tiny bunches of leaves, like that of the maidenhair fern, require a little more than average care on our part. Gardenerdy gives some handy tips that are to be incorporated.
Why are my fern leaves curling up?
WHAT IS NOT DESIRABLE. ► If you notice your graceful fern curling up its leaves, know that it is unable to cope up with the dry air in its growing area. Dry leaf tips also indicate the same condition. Premature leaf fall is also a result of low moisture and humidity.
How to keep ferns healthy?
Placing the ferns near big windows is a good way to maintain healthy circulation. But if the area where you place the plant is devoid of large windows, make sure to use a small fan in the room, lest your plant may lose vigor, and also be down with diseases. ► The light needs to be indirect.
Maidenhair Fern Plant Care
Maidenhair ferns thrive in well-watered soil, which receives indirect sunlight and humid conditions similar to the tropics. Waterlogged soil is a nuisance for the plant and promotes the growth of fungus and plant diseases. Keep the temperature between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16- 21 degrees Celsius).
Tips to Keep Maidenhair Fern Problem-free
Be careful when feeding the plants as too much nitrogen content can burn the leaves. Newly repotted plants have fragile roots and can burn if they are immediately fertilized.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maidenhair Fern Plant Care
Maidenhair fern does not die if it accidentally dries out. Take it out of its container, letting it soak in water for some time. Let the excess water drip off before putting it back in well-moistened soil. Place your pot near an indirect light source, and you will see new fronds growing out soon.
Conclusion
Maidenhair ferns are well known for being delicate and complex to care for. They grow naturally in the wild, where other plants won’t be able to survive.
What is a maidenhair fern?
Image by Erutuon. Maidenhair ferns ( Adiantum spp.) can make graceful additions to shady gardens or bright, indirect areas of the home. Their light gray-green, feathery-like foliage adds unique charm to just about any landscape setting, especially moist, wooded areas of the garden. Growing maidenhair fern is easy.
What is a five finger fern?
Another name for this plant is the five-fingered fern due largely in part to its finger-like fronds, which are supported on dark brown to black stems. These black stems were once used as a dye in addition to being employed for the weaving of baskets.
What is the name of the fern that sheds rainwater without becoming wet?
Maidenhair fern history is quite interesting. Its genus name translates to “non wetting” and refers to the fronds’ ability to shed rainwater without becoming wet. In addition, the plant is the source of an aromatic, volatile oil commonly used as a shampoo, which is where its common name of maidenhair derived.
Can maidenhair ferns grow in shade?
Learning how to grow maidenhair fern in the garden, or even indoors, is not difficult. The plant typically grows in partial to full shade and prefers moist but well-draining soil amended with organic matter, much like in its natural habitat in humus-rich woods. These ferns do not tolerate dry soil.
Can you grow maidenhair fern indoors?
When growing maidenhair fern indoors, the plant prefers small containers and dislikes repotting. Maidenhair is also intolerant of low humidity or dry air from heating or cooling vents when grown in the home. Therefore, you will either need to mist the plant daily or set it on a water-filled pebble tray.
Do maidenhair ferns like acidic soil?
These ferns do not tolerate dry soil. Most ferns grow best in slightly acidic soils; however, maidenhair ferns prefer a more alkaline soil pH. Adding some ground limestone to the potting mix of container grown plants or mixing it into your outdoor beds will help with this.
Maidenhair Fern Care
Maidenhair Ferns are popular houseplants because they’re hardy, easy to care for, and tolerant of a wide range of indoor conditions. However, these plants do need some attention in order to grow well indoors.
Repotting Maidenhair Ferns
Repotting maidenhair ferns can be done in the spring to encourage new growth or in the summer if the plant is growing too large. The size of the container you put your maidenhair fern in should be slightly larger than what it was previously. To make a maidenhair fern smaller, remove about a quarter of the roots and replant it in its original pot.
Propagation
Maidenhair ferns can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes. First, carefully remove the plant from its pot and use a sharp knife to separate the divisions. Next, repot each division in its own container with fresh soil.
Common Pests
Maidenhair ferns do not have serious insect or disease problems. The most common issues with maidenhair ferns are scales and mealybugs, which can cause damage to the foliage. Check the plant regularly for these pests and remove them as soon as they are spotted.
Common Issues
Maidenhair ferns are relatively low maintenance and do not have a wide range of problems:
Where do maidenhair ferns grow?
There are many types of maidenhair ferns (they belong to the genus Adiantum) and they grow all over the world. There are species that grow in tropical regions, and also in temperate climates such as mine. The ones grown indoors are normally the ones that grow in warm regions.
How tall is my Maiden Hair Fern?
My Maiden hair fern is planted on the ground. It is beautiful, healthy and Tall (around 1.5 to 2 ft.). This past few days I noticed that the leaves are beginning to get lighter in color and there are a few brown leaves. It maybe because it is facing the afternoon sun though it is not under the direct sunlight at noon. I think I need to increase the amount of water that I give the plant in the morning. And since it is summer here in the Philippines now, the soil dries quickly. Do I have to water it some more in the late afternoon?
Can you water Maidenhair Fern?
The second your maidenhair fern starts to dry out on top, you must immediately water it. Aim to have the most consistently moist soil that you can. Like I mentioned before, it is very difficult to “ overwater ” this plant! Of course, you must be following my light recommendations at the same time.
Can maidenhair ferns dry out?
And maidenhair ferns HATE to dry out. When keeping ferns, you need to dispel the rampant fear of overwatering. It is very difficult to “overwater” a maidenhair fern. You’ll want to make sure that the soil is as evenly moist as possible.
Can you use old potting soil for self watering?
You can’t just use any old potting mix for self-watering containers! You need a light, fluffy potting mix otherwise the soil can potentially stay too wet and rot your plant out.
Can you water maidenhair ferns in a self watering pot?
By using a self watering pot for your maidenhair fern, it will help you keep the soil consistently moist, greatly minimize the time needed to babysit soil moisture, and help your plant to finally thrive! There are a few important things to know though when setting up your self-watering pot though.
How do I grow maidenhair ferns?
The most critical part of growing the maidenhair fern inside is careful attention to soil moisture and humidity. Your fern’s soil must absolutely never dry out or it will very quickly produce many brown fronds. It is recommended to grow these plants in pots with drainage hole.
How to increase humidity in maidenhair ferns?
To increase humidity set your plant on a moist pebble tray, group multiple houseplants together, and/or also run a humidifier. As far as light goes, maidenhair ferns like shadier locations but it is best kept directly in front of and close to a window.
How hot should I keep my maidenhair fern?
The maidenhair fern loves warmer, humid air. Aim to keep temperatures above 70 degrees F. (21 C.) and higher humidity is beneficial.
Is it normal for ferns to have brown fronds?
Keep in mind that an occasional brown frond is normal, even with good care, so don’t worry when you see one. You must keep this plant away from any cold drafts and away from heating vents as these can be detrimental and cause your fern to suffer.
Can you divide ferns?
You can also divide your plant at the roots in the spring if you wish to propagate your fern. If your plant has suffered and looks awful, you can cut all the fronds off at the soil level to rejuvenate your plant. Pay attention to good light and watering practices and it will start to grow back.
Can maidenhair ferns grow indoors?
Image by Sammy Jones. Growing the maidenhair fern inside has provided some challenges for the houseplant enthusiast, but it is possible to grow successfully with a few tips. The indoor maidenhair fern requires a little more attention than most houseplants, but with some extra attention, it is well worth the effort for a beautiful plant.
How to propagate maidenhair fern?
There are two ways to propagate maidenhair fern plants: with division or by using their spores. Unless you’ve propagated ferns before, spore propagation may be unfamiliar, and division is incredibly easy. Your maidenhair fern must be well established before you can successfully divide it.
What are the bugs that eat maidenhair ferns?
Other insects that can infest maidenhair fern plants include aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and spider mites. Mealy bugs look like bits of white cotton, scale resembles bumps on plant stems, and both aphids and spider mites hang out on the undersides of foliage.
What is a maiden hair fern?
Maidenhair Fern belongs to the Adiantum genus which consists of over 200 ferns from all over the world. The fern’s delicate, fan-like leaf segments repel water. Leaves grow in clusters on wiry black stems. Despite their demanding nature, maidenhair ferns are a very popular houseplant.
How to keep ferns in the ground?
Ideally, your fern should be kept in temperatures above 70 degrees F and should be protected against cold winds and temperature drops that dip beneath 60 degrees F.
Why do ferns curl up?
If you see your fern’s leaves curling up or getting dry tips, or catch leaves falling off regularly, it’s probably because the air is too dry and you need to increase the irrigation and humidity levels.
Do maidenhair ferns produce flowers?
Don’t be alarmed if you notice some foliage die off before the newly divided ferns get settled. Because maidenhair fern plants do not produce flowers or seeds, the spores are how the plant reproduces on its own.
Can ferns grow under trees?
Maidenhair ferns will grow best underneath the canopy of trees or other large plants that allow only dappled or filtered sunlight to reach your fern. Maidenhair ferns appreciate constantly and evenly moist soil.