Maidenhair Fern
The most delicate fern: tiny fan-shaped leaflets on wiry black stems, like green lace. Pet-safe and beautiful, and the least forgiving plant in this directory about water and humidity. Miss once and it crisps.
The maidenhair fern is the plant people fall in love with at the nursery and watch die within a month. It is not their fault. It grows beside waterfalls, and it wants waterfall conditions: constant moisture, high humidity, cool shade.
It can be kept, in a terrarium, a steamy bathroom, or with daily attention. If a frond dries out and browns, cut the whole plant back to the soil and keep it moist; it often regrows from the roots.
Light
Medium to low indirect light. A north window, or a shaded spot in a brighter room. Direct sun scorches it within hours.
Water
Consistently moist, always. Check every day in summer and water whenever the surface is anything less than damp, about every three days. Never let it dry out completely; the fronds do not recover. Filtered or rain water at room temperature.
Soil and potting
A peat-based mix that holds water, with a little perlite. Repot every eighteen months in spring. It likes a slightly snug pot.
Feeding
A quarter-strength feed every six weeks in spring and summer.
Propagation
Division of the rhizome at repotting. Keep divisions warm and very humid until they settle.
In a hot, dry home
Only under glass. In a sealed terrarium or under a cloche it is easy; in an open room here it will not last a fortnight in summer. We keep one in a large glass jar on a north windowsill and it has been fine for two years.
Problems and fixes
Fronds crisping and browning
Likely cause: The soil dried out, or the air is too dry
Fix: Cut back to the soil, keep moist and humid, and wait for regrowth.
Yellowing fronds
Likely cause: Overwatering with poor drainage, or too much light
Fix: Improve drainage; move to shade.
Sparse, leggy growth
Likely cause: Too little light
Fix: Move a little closer to a window, still out of direct sun.
Maidenhair Fern questions
Is the maidenhair fern safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. It is non-toxic to pets.
Why did my maidenhair fern dry up?
It dried out once, or the air is too dry. Cut it back to the soil, keep it moist and humid, and it usually regrows from the roots.
Can I keep a maidenhair fern in a terrarium?
It is the best way to keep one. The enclosed humidity is exactly what it needs.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Boston Fern
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every few days
- Pets
- Safe
