Rough Maidenhair Fern

Rough Maidenhair Fern is an attractive fern with shiny arching dark green fronds. Pink new growth. Great for hanging baskets or in a part shade. Grows to 60cm

Adiantum hispidulum – Rough Maidenhair Fern 🌿✨

Adiantum hispidulum, commonly known as the Rough Maidenhair Fern, is a delicate yet hardy fern with fine, feathery fronds that emerge in shades of pink to copper before maturing to deep green. Native to Australia, Asia, and parts of Africa, it thrives in shady, moist environments and is a favorite for terrariums, indoor plant collections, and tropical gardens.

🌱 General Information:

• Family: Pteridaceae
• Genus: Adiantum
• Common Names: Rough Maidenhair Fern, Five-Fingered Fern
• Native Region: Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Africa
• Growth Habit: Clump-forming, evergreen fern with fine-textured foliage

🌞 Growing Conditions:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to partial shade; avoid direct sun
• Soil: Moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil (peaty, loamy, or slightly acidic)
• Watering:
  • Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
  • Sensitive to drying out; mist occasionally in dry conditions
• Temperature:1
  • Prefers 16–24°C
  • Avoid frost; can tolerate brief cool spells but thrives in warmth
• Humidity:
  • Prefers high humidity (ideal for bathrooms, terrariums, and greenhouses)

🌿 Foliage & Growth:

• Fronds:
  • Delicate, lacy, divided leaves with a slightly rough texture
  • Young fronds emerge pink, copper, or bronze, maturing to deep green
  • Thin black wiry stems (rachis) create a contrasting, elegant look
• Size:
  • Grows 30–50 cm (12–20 inches) tall and wide
  • Moderate to slow-growing

✂️ Care & Maintenance:

• Pruning:
  • Trim brown or dry fronds to encourage fresh growth
• Fertilizing:
  • Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season
  • Avoid excess fertilizer, which can damage delicate roots
• Pests/Diseases:
  • Sensitive to dry air – may develop brown, crispy leaf edges
  • Occasionally attracts scale insects, mealybugs, or fungal spots
  • Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues
• Propagation:
  • Best propagated by division in early spring
  • Can be grown from spores, but this takes longer

🏡 Uses & Benefits:

✅ Indoor Houseplant: Great for low-light, humid areas like bathrooms
✅ Terrariums & Dish Gardens: Perfect for small spaces and enclosed ecosystems
✅ Shady Tropical Gardens: Thrives in understory plantings
✅ Pet-Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs! 🐾
✅ Air-Purifier: Helps increase humidity & improve indoor air quality

🌟 Pro Tip:
To keep your Maidenhair Fern thriving, never let it dry out completely. If the fronds crisp up, trim them back and increase humidity to encourage regrowth!