Also called delta maidenhair, five-finger fern, southern maidenhair, or venus's-hair
(Adiantum species)
With thin, wiry stems and feathery fronds, maidenhair fern appears delicate, but it's really quite durable. Its fronds once were common in bouquets.
Light
Expose to medium (bright indirect) light. Tolerates low light. Keep out of full sun.
Water
Allow soil surface to dry out between thorough waterings. Never allow soil around roots to dry out. Mist daily with tepid water. Raise humidity as high as possible.
Temperature
Maintain temperatures of no higher than low 70s during the day and into 50s at night for best growth. Tolerates average temperatures. Avoid hot and cold drafts.
Comments
Use soil rich in organic matter that retains moisture but drains freely. Feed every 21 days with super-mild solution. Do not overfertilize. Prune back to control size or stimulate new growth. Avoid the use of insecticides, which may kill the plant. Propagate by spores when fully formed or by division of mature plant in March.
