How to Grow and Care for Maidenhair Fern Indoors

Julie Thompson-Adolf is a Master Gardener and author with over 30 years of experience in year-round organic gardening; seed starting, growing heirlooms, and sustainable farming.

How to Plant and Grow Maidenhair Fern

There’s a maidenhair fern for every purpose, from tropical houseplants to winter-hardy ferns for moist and shady locations.

Nadia Hassani is a gardening and food writer with more than two decades of hands-on gardening experience in vegetable and fruit gardening, landscaping with native plants, and garden design.

With its feathery green foliage, maidenhair fern makes a graceful addition to shade gardens or areas of the home that offer it plenty of humidity and diffused light. Make the commitment to providing this plant the living conditions it requires and you’ll be rewarded with a specimen that enhances the landscape or brings the beauty of nature indoors.

Maidenhair Fern Overview

Genus Name	Adiantum
Common Name	Maidenhair Fern
Plant Type	Houseplant, Perennial
Light	Part Sun, Shade
Height	1 to 3 feet
Width	1 to 2 feet
Foliage Color	Blue/Green
Special Features	Good for Containers
Zones	10, 11, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Propagation	Division
Problem Solvers	Groundcover

Where to Plant Maidenhair Fern

In their native habitat, maidenhair ferns grow in cool, humid areas such as near shady streams. This can be a tricky habitat to recreate in a home garden. Try to mimic as much of its natural conditions as possible by planting the fern in a shady location with ample moisture but not soggy conditions. The soil should contain a substantial amount of leaf mold (decomposed leaves) and have a pH in the alkaline range (7 to 8).

For a visual treat, plant maidenhair fern atop a rock wall where its graceful foliage can spill over the edge.

How and When to Plant Maidenhair Fern

The best planting time for maidenhair fern is in mid to late spring or early summer before the summer heat sets in. Dig a hole that is a bit wider and as deep as the root ball of the fern so that the crown (where roots and stem meet) is about half an inch below the soil surface. Backfill the hole with a combination of the original soil and leaf mold rather than with aged manure or compost because that’s the way the fern grows in nature. Plant maidenhair ferns about 18 to 24 inches apart.

Maidenhair Fern Care Tips

Light

It’s important to keep this fern sheltered because its delicate leaves can quickly burn and dry out with too much sun. Plant it in a shady location where any direct sun (if it’s a factor) reaches the plant only early in the morning when its rays are less intense.

Soil and Water

Maidenhair ferns like organically rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive soils. Amend your garden soil, if needed, with compost and organic matter. Don’t let maidenhair ferns dry out, or they’ll die back and go dormant.

Growing it indoors: In addition to or in place of daily misting, you may want to place a saucer filled with pebbles beneath the potted plant. Fill the saucer with water to just below the top of the pebbles. As the water evaporates, it creates a humid microclimate around the plant. Don’t overwater; saturated soil may lead to stem or root rot. And never let the roots dry out, or the plant may shrivel up and go dormant or die.

Temperature and Humidity

Not all maidenhair ferns are delicate tropical plants. Surprisingly, many types are winter hardy; some are even native to the United States. For example, the northern maidenhair fern, which is native to North America and East Asia, can be grown as low as in zone 3. Maidenhair ferns need humidity to survive.

Fertilizer

Maidenhair fern needs no to very little fertilizer, especially when grown outdoors, as fertile soil provides it with sufficient nutrients. If at all, feed potted maidenhair fern with a balanced fertilizer once a month, diluted to half its original strength, about once a month during the growing season.

Pruning

Other than removing yellowed or withered fronds during the growing season, and removing the previous year’s foliage in the spring, maidenhair fern should not be pruned to preserve its natural beauty.

Potting and Repotting Maidenhair Fern

Plant maidenhair fern in a container with large drainage holes in well-drained potting soil. Keeping the soil of potted maidenhair fern moist at all times is a must to replicate the plant’s natural habitat in humus-rich woodlands.

Repotting is only advised when the roots fill up the pot. You can either plant it in a larger pot with fresh soil or cut it into sections and repot those individually.

Pests and Problems

The most common pest problems with maidenhair fern, both indoors and outdoors, are aphids, scale, mites, and mealy bugs. Outdoors, you might also find snails, and slugs on the plants.

In soil with poor drainage, the fern can develop root rot.

How to Propagate Maidenhair Fern

All types of maidenhair ferns are quite vigorous and spread by branched rhizomes beneath the soil. This makes it relatively easy to propagate them by division rather than going through the lengthy and finicky process of growing it from spores.

In the late spring or early summer, dig up the entire root ball and cut it in halves or quarters depending on the size. Replant the sections at the same depth as the original plant and backfill the planting hole with a mix of soil and leaf mold. Keep it well watered; some of the original fronds will die off but you should see new growth within a few weeks.

Types of Maidenhair Fern

No matter which species you grow, all maidenhair ferns feature light green compound leaves made up of small leaflets. Several species and varieties bear new growth in pink or red that eventually ages to green. Most maidenhair ferns sport striking shiny black leaf stalks (petioles) that stand out against all the green foliage.

Delta Maidenhair Fern

The classic maidenhair, Adiantum raddianum, is a tropical fern native to South America. It has delicate, drooping foliage and needs high humidity to survive. It is mostly grown as a houseplant but can be grown outdoors in zones 10-11.

American Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum pedatum is native to North America and bears upright black or brown stalks with featherlike medium green fronds. It grows 12-16 inches tall. Zones 3-8.

Northern Maidenhair fern

Adiantum pedatum aleuticum, at 30 inches tall, is larger than American maidenhair fern. It has black stems. New growth may be tinged pink. Zones 3-8.

Southern Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum capillus-venerus has fan-shaped leaflets on black stems. It is hardy only in Zones 8-10 and remains evergreen down to about 28 degrees F.

Maidenhair Fern Companion Plants

Lungwort

In early spring, lungwort’s brilliant blue, pink, or white flowers bloom despite the coldest chill. The rough basal leaves, spotted or plain, are handsome through the season and into winter. Lungworts are workhorses and retain their good looks, placed close as a weed-discouraging groundcover or in borders as edgings or bright accent plants. Provide high-humus soil that retains moisture, although lungwort tolerates dry conditions.

Hosta

One of the most commonly grown garden plants for a reason, this rugged, shade-loving perennial is also among the easiest plants to grow. Hostas vary from tiny plants suitable for troughs or rock gardens to massive 4-foot clumps with heart-shaped leaves almost 2 feet long. The variations in leaf shapes and colors are virtually endless and hostas in new sizes and touting new foliage features appear each year.

Corydalis

It’s hard to find bright-colored plants for shade, so it’s a pity that brightly colored corydalis isn’t more widely planted. It’s a great shade plant. Blooms are small, but they appear in clusters. Leaves look similar to those of a fringe-leaf bleeding heart. Plants self-seed readily, but excess seedlings are easy to remove. Provide the plant with moist, organic soil for best growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

To determine the temperature tolerance spectrum of your fern you need to identify which type of maidenhair fern you have. The Adiantum genus comprises more than 200 species that vary greatly in cold-hardiness depending on whether they are from a tropical or subtropical or a temperate climate.

Maidenhair ferns do best in 60% humidity and home environments are often too dry for this plant. Growing this fern beneath a cloche or in a terrarium may solve the humidity problem, as long as you keep the fern out of direct sun, which will result in overheating it. Avoid siting the pot near heat registers, cooling vents, or in drafty areas.

Why are the tips of my maidenhair fern leaves turning brown?

The fern might be getting too much or too little water, too much fertilizer, or the soil is too acidic. Adjust the amount of watering and back off on the fertilizer. If the problem persists, you might need to test the soil pH to see if it is in the proper alkaline range.

How to Grow and Care for Maidenhair Fern Indoors

Alexandra Jones is an avid urban grower and Master Gardener writing about houseplants, gardening, and sustainability from her home in Philadelphia. She has 10 years of gardening experience and five years of professional writing expertise.

Julie Thompson-Adolf is a Master Gardener and author with over 30 years of experience in year-round organic gardening; seed starting, growing heirlooms, and sustainable farming.

Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum raddianum) are deciduous ferns known for their delicate, fan-shaped leaf segments clustered on wiry black stems. They’re a popular houseplant for their attractive foliage and compact size.

As houseplants, maidenhair ferns prefer indirect or dappled light, warm, humid conditions, and moist, well-drained soil. They are considered slow-growing ferns, typically taking up to three years to reach their mature size. Here’s how to keep your fern healthy.

Light

Mimic the conditions of this lower-light plant’s natural forest floor environment by putting it in a place that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid harsh light or direct sun, as its delicate leaves can burn very easily. However, too little light leads to poor growth and yellowing fronds.

Tip

Keep maidenhair ferns several feet from south-facing or west-facing windows, which get strong, direct light, especially in the afternoon. North-facing windows or east-facing windows, which receive weaker morning light, are ideal for maidenhair ferns.

Soil

Give your maidenhair fern moist but well-draining potting soil. Increase your chances of creating the proper environment for this plant by incorporating organic matter, like compost, into the soil to help it retain water.

Water

Keep your maidenhair fern’s soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water your fern regularly to keep the soil from drying out. Watch for yellow leaves that may occur from overwatering. Do not let the plant’s roots stand in water. Moisture is vital, but drainage is important to avoid root rot.

It’s a good idea to pot the fern in a plastic container with drainage holes, then place that pot in a more attractive outer pot if you wish. To water, simply remove the plastic pot from the cache pot, water the plant over a sink until the water stops draining from the plastic pot, then replace it in the cache pot.

Temperature and Humidity

Give this fern warmth and humidity. It thrives on moisture and needs a lot to survive, which can often be difficult to achieve indoors. To mimic its ideal conditions, you can place the potted plant near a humidifier to increase humidity levels. Maidenhair ferns often do well in bathrooms, where steam from the shower can give them a regular humidity boost.

Temperature-wise, keep this fern above 70 degrees. Avoid placing it near cold drafts or anywhere in your home where the temperature could dip below 60 degrees.

Fertilizer

Skip fertilizing your maidenhair fern—the plant will do just fine without it. However, if you wish to provide an added dose of nutrients, you can feed with a balanced, diluted blend of fertilizer once a month. Avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, which can cause the tips of the leaves to burn.

Types of Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair fern is part of the Adiantum genus that includes over 200 types of ferns grown around the world. The genus name is derived from the Greek word adiantos, which means “unwetted”—an apt description for the fern since its leaves repel water. Here are a few common varieties of maidenhair fern.

• Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum): This species, found in eastern North America and in parts of Asia, is a popular outdoor plant for shade gardens.
• Western Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aleuticum): Also called Aleutian maidenhair fern, this species is native to the west coast of North America. It often grows near waterfalls where the plant can benefit from the spray.
• Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris): This species is sometimes known as Venus maidenhair fern. It’s commonly found in the southern United States and elsewhere in the world in temperate and tropical regions.

Potting and Repotting Maidenhair Ferns

These ferns can be repotted annually or biannually, depending on the pot size and the plant’s growth rate. They’re slow growers and don’t mind being a little crowded, so don’t rush to repot them if you’re unsure. Instead, wait for signs that your fern is outgrowing its home, like the roots filling up the pot.

Propagating Maidenhair Fern

Like other ferns, maidenhair ferns are easy to propagate by division. You’ll need a few plant pots, fresh potting mix, and a clean, sharp knife. Here’s how to propagate maidenhair fern.

1. A few days before you want to divide your fern, water it well.
2. When it’s time to propagate, fill the new pots about a third of the way with fresh soil. Remove your maidenhair fern from its container.
3. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the root ball into two or three clumps, ensuring that each clump has a portion of the rhizome and foliage. You can take this opportunity to cut back any dead or damaged fronds from the crown of the plant.
4. Plant each section into its own pot. Fill in each container with fresh soil.
5. Water the divisions well. Wait a couple of months to fertilize recently divided ferns, as this can burn the roots.

Common Pests

Only a couple of common insects usually affect indoor maidenhair ferns. Scale and mealybugs like to attach themselves to the fronds. Check the plant regularly and treat any infestation with insecticidal soap.

Common Problems With Maidenhair Ferns

Maidenhair ferns can be affected by underwatering, too much sun, and lack of humidity. Revive a maidenhair fern by placing it in an area with bright, indirect light and watering consistently so that the soil is moist but not soggy. Make sure the pot has sufficient drainage to prevent root rot. Remove any dead or damaged fronds to tidy up the plant’s appearance and support new growth.

Leaves Turning Brown

This is a common sign of overly dry conditions—lack of water, lack of humidity, or both. Check the soil moisture and water the plant if needed. Consider running a humidifier in the space to add moisture to the air, and make sure the plant isn’t located in the path of a heat or air conditioning vent.

Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves on maidenhair ferns often signal overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. In extreme cases, it may be best to repot the plant with fresh soil, removing any dead or rotten roots while repotting.

Leaves Falling Off

If a maidenhair fern is allowed to dry out too much, leaflets will turn brown and crispy and eventually fall off. Trim away damaged foliage, water the plant deeply, and consider running a humidifier. Monitor soil moisture and water again before the soil dries out.

Leaves Curling

Curling leaves are another sign that your maidenhair fern needs higher humidity. You can try grouping it together with several other humidity-loving plants, keeping it in a bathroom where steam from the shower can boost humidity, or running a humidifier nearby.

Maidenhair ferns are easy to grow with the proper care, including consistent watering, well-drained soil, and bright, indirect light.

Put your maidenhair fern in a warm place with lots of humidity and bright, indirect light.
Should I cut dead leaves off of my maidenhair fern?

Yes. Cut dead or damaged fronts off at the crown of the plant to let more light into the healthy growth and help your plant look tidy.

Jon VanZile was a writer for The Spruce covering houseplants and indoor gardening for almost a decade. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines.

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