The Adiantum Capillus-veneris or maidenhair fern is one of those beautiful plants that look so delicate and perfect that you will want to have it at home. But like a good fern, it can get a bit of a bad rap. But don't believe in bad tongues, which are not difficult plants but misunderstood. With this maidenhair fern care guide you will have everything to make it grow luxuriant, radiant and happy. You'll look like the plant charmer in front of the rest of the world, this guide will be our secret.
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It's
- so popular that it has a lot of common names: Venus hair, Well Hair, Venus hair, Spider Tail, and many more.
- Not only is it beautiful and stylish, but it's also a powerful purifier that removes toxic particles from the air and improves humidity levels.
- It is native to tropical rainy regions, where it usually grows on the banks of streams and rivers. So you'll have an idea of the humidity levels it requires.
- Its delicate foliage and cute green color is completely safe for pets. While it won't make you happy when your furry friend chews on the leaves, at least you'll be assured that it won't affect his health.
- The Shinglescent fern can be between 20 to 40 cm tall and wide, It is a rather short but bushy plant, so it is perfect for places where you want a plant with volume, but not growing in a huge way.
The
delicate maidenhair fern prefers semi-shade, although it loves the morning and evening sun. It is important not to place it directly in the sun, as its leaves will burn. You can leave it near a window with a curtain or protected by other plants. Rotate the pot from time to time, so that it grows in a balanced way.
It prefers constant temperatures between 18 and 25°C, although it is able to withstand freezing temperatures of -5°C well, it is very sensitive to cold drafts.
In short: semi-shade, indirect sun in the mornings and a warm to cool temperature. In winter, it's best to keep it indoors, but if you have it outdoors, you need to protect the root ball from frost with a little padding.
Watering and humidity
This is the part where the success of your Maidlift Fern lies. It's less complicated than it sounds. Remember that she usually grows on the banks of rivers and streams, so you must have concluded that she has a HIGH moisture requirement. Now, the problem is that many people confuse humidity with watering, but you won't make that mistake.
The substrate of your fern should always have a certain level of humidity. When you put a finger inside the substrate, you should feel it stick a little on your finger and feel soft and loose. If the substrate feels pasty, with a mud-like texture and your finger comes out completely dirty, you are overwatering. If, on the other hand, the substrate feels dry and sandy and the finger comes out completely clean, it lacks water. Never let the substrate dry out between waterings, because your fern will die. Another detail to pay attention to is the leaves. If you see them twisted, rolled inwards, they lack water. Avoid watering when the sun is shining, because the leaves can burn.
When it comes to humidity, you can use a few tricks to keep the levels high. The simplest is to group it with other plants that require certain doses of humidity, such as its companions in the trio of Las Purificadoras. You can also place it on a small plate with pebbles and some water. The liquid will evaporate, maintain moisture, and won't affect the roots. Another option is to place it in places like the kitchen and bathroom, where it will get the humidity levels it requires.
Keep it away from radiators in winter and draughts in the summer, just as these appliances can wreak havoc on your skin, they will steal moisture from your little fern. Don't forget to spray them a couple of times a week. It will thank you by getting even greener and more radiant.
Pay attention to the leaves. If they fold in on themselves, they are receiving icy currents. When the edges dry out, fall off, or look wrinkled, it's due to a lack of moisture, so spray some water. A trick to ensure that it is well hydrated is to water it by capillary action, that is, underneath. Submerge the pot in a bathtub or bowl of water. Leave it for a while until it absorbs and then allow the excess to drain freely. You'll be amazed at the result.
The
maidenhair fern will live and grow best in a neutral or calcareous substrate, but never acidic. You can use a universal substrate mix with some peat moss and river sand to improve moisture retention. As for fertilizer, you can fertilize it between April and September with a balanced fertilizer diluted every 10 days. You can repot it every two years, as it is slow growing.
The maidenhair fern doesn't require frequent or annual pruning, but it's good to remove the dry, ugly fronds. If you see that the stems are drying out and look ugly, full of branches with few leaves, cut them back and water twice a day. This will stimulate the growth of new leaves in a very short time.