Maidenhair fern – Indoor House Plants

Maidenhair fern is distinguished by their billowy fronds of delicate, green leaves shaped like miniature fans on thin black, hairlike stalks that connect to smooth, black main stalks. Some species lack individual stalks and have larger, more oblong or triangular leaves.As potted plants, maidenhair ferns can live for years with the proper care. Maidenhair ferns also are used as landscape plants in mild, humid climates. The delicate fronds are popular as a cut foliage in floral design, in which case the average vase life is three to seven days.These delicate ferns grow quickly and are adapted to indoor conditions. There are several different species with varying leaflet size and color.

Scientific name: Adiantum
Common name: Maidenhair Fern

How to grow and maintain maidenhair fern:
WATER:
The soil should not be allowed to dry out. Water thoroughly from spring through fall and less during the winter.

Light:
Bright, indirect light is best.

Temperature:
Average room temperature, from 60 F to 75 F, is best. Avoid temperatures below 55 F.

Humidity:
High humidity, rarely drop ping below 50 percent, is ideal for maidenhair ferns. Frequent misting is suggested. Bathrooms can provide a suitably moist environment, and terrariums are another good option. Other ways to increase humidity are to use a pebble tray or to display plants in pot groups, where the plants stand close together and the air trapped between them will hold more humidity.

Fertilizer:
Because of their more delicate nature, Maidenhair Ferns must be fertilized very carefully. Apply only ¼ the recommended fertilizer strength every 4-6 weeks. Only fertilize when the plant is actively growing. As growth slows down, limit watering and do not fertilize. To keep plants looking healthy, discolored fronds may be removed.
Propagation:
Maidenhair ferns can be propagated by dividing the plants after they have produced rhizomes (typically in early spring).

Pests and Diseases :
Scale insects, mealybugs and spider mites are potential pests. Pesticides are not recommended because they can damage fern leaves. Clip off badly infested fronds, and, for mites or mealybugs, clean the plant thoroughly with a cotton swab or in the shower twice a week for two weeks. For scale, after clipping off major infestations, use tweezers to remove individual scales.

Pruning:
Prune away any dead or yellowing fronds to encourage new growth.

Leaf problems:
Overwatering will cause leaves to turn yellow; underwatering will cause fronds to droop and wilt. Brown leaves are a sign that the humidity is too low although fronds also naturally turn brown as they age and should be clipped from the plant. Brown patches on fern leaves mean the plant is too cold and wet.