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Genus Adiantum (Maidenhair fern)

Adiantum Adiantum pedatum Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner
ad-ee-AN-tum Common Name: Maidenhair fern
Adiantum is made up of elegant evergreen or deciduous ferns in 200 to 250 species from tropical and subtropical areas of North and South America and a few from the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. They have distinct glossy black to purple-red stalks. Fiddleheads and young fronds of many species display a purplish-pink color. Grow in a woodland or shade garden.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Graceful, delicate-looking foliage.
 Care: Outdoors, grow hardy species in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil in an open site in partial shade. Tender species need humusy soil in a partially shaded, open site. Indoors, grow in bright indirect light in summer with plenty of humidity and good ventilation. Water sparingly in winter.
 Propagation: Divide rhizomes in early spring. Or sow spores as soon as they ripen at 59°F or higher (for hardy ferns) and 70°F (for tender species).
 Problems: Rarely, scale insects are troublesome when grown in a greenhouse.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Adiantum

Adiantum pedatum ssp. aleuticum Adiantum pedatum ssp. aleuticum
(Northern maidenhair fern) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This is an elegant, deciduous fern with medium green fronds on dark brown or black stalks with thick creeping rhizomes. It provides a distinct form in a woodland setting or shaded border.
Adiantum venustum Adiantum venustum
(Himalayan maidenhair fern) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Elegant, lacy foliage on black stems makes this maidenhair fern a standout, even among others in the genus. In addition, when new fronds emerge in late winter or early spring, they are bright bronze-pink. Only about a foot high, Himalayan maidenhair ferns can spread by creeping rhizomes to form a sizeable colony. They also make eye-catching indoor plants and pair well with orchids.