Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum Tenerum
Achingly delicate this fern is reminiscent of the beautiful Roman ruins and abandoned grottoes.
Plant Care
Light
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.
Watering
Keep moist but not soggy from May - August. Reduce water during winter month, but don’t allow soil to dry out.
Humidity and temperature
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).
Feeding and repotting
Give liquid feed every four weeks during active growing season. This type of fern tends to grow in the cracks of rocks and thus doesn't mind being pot bound. Repot in spring when you notice slowing down of fresh growth. Propagate by division before active growth begins.
SOS
Quick guide to common problems and how to deal with them.
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.
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.
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.
