Maidenhair fern care guide

The maidenhair fern has delicate, fan-shaped leaflets on thin, black stems. It looks like green lace. It is one of the fussiest houseplants, and it tells you right away when something is wrong. The good news: it often comes back from the roots after a crisis.

Light

Give it medium light or bright, indirect light, such as a spot near a north or east window. Direct sun scorches the fronds.

Water

Keep the soil moist at all times, like a wrung-out sponge. Check it every two or three days. A maidenhair fern that dries out once can crisp up overnight.

Water until it drains, then empty the saucer. Soggy soil rots the roots, so do not let it sit in water. Read how to tell if a houseplant is overwatered or underwatered.

Bottom watering works well for ferns. Read how to bottom water houseplants step by step.

Soil and potting

Use a rich, peat or coir-based potting mix that holds water but drains well.

It likes a snug pot. Repot or divide in spring when roots fill the pot. A plastic pot holds water longer than terracotta. See how to repot a houseplant step by step.

Humidity and temperature

High humidity is the key. A bright bathroom, a humidifier, a terrarium, or a group of plants helps. Dry winter air from the furnace is hard on it.

Keep it between 16 and 24°C (60 and 75°F), away from heat vents, fireplaces, and cold drafts.

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength. Too much fertilizer burns the fronds.

Pruning

Cut crispy, brown fronds off at the soil line.

Bringing it back

If the whole plant crisps up, do not give up. Cut every frond off at the soil. Keep the soil moist and the air humid. Healthy roots often send up new fronds within a few weeks.

Propagation

Divide the clump in spring. Cut the root ball into two or three pieces with a clean knife, each with fronds and roots. Pot each one up and keep the air humid while they settle.

Problems

What you see	Most likely cause
Crispy, brown fronds	Soil dried out, or dry air
Whole plant crisps at once	Missed watering. Cut it back and keep it moist.
Yellow fronds, wet soil	Too much water or poor drainage
Pale, bleached fronds	Too much direct light
Brown tips on new fronds	Dry air or too much fertilizer

Pests

Pests are uncommon. Mealybugs, scale, and fungus gnats can show up. Read how to get rid of fungus gnats in houseplants. Avoid oil sprays on ferns, which damage the fronds.

Pet safety

The ASPCA lists maidenhair fern as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Varieties

• Delta maidenhair fern, Adiantum raddianum, is the common houseplant.
• ‘Fritz Luth’ has full, dense fronds and is a bit tougher.
• ‘Pacific Maid’ has larger leaflets.
• Northern maidenhair fern is a hardy outdoor cousin for shady Canadian gardens.