Also known as Maidenhair Fern · 147 gardener saves
Adiantum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Adiantum, the genus most gardeners know as maidenhair fern. We track 14 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Adiantum varieties
Of 14 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedNorthern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum
#2 most savedMaidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Rock Springs'
#3 most savedMaidenhair Fern Miss Sharples
Adiantum pedatum 'Miss Sharples'
Himalayan Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum venustum
Mairis's Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum x mairisii
Southern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Alabama Lace'
Maidenhair Fern Sierra Chiquita
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Sierra Chiquita'
Japanese Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum japonicum
Argentine Lace Fern
Adiantum poiretii 'Argentine Lace'
Southern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Hispidum Maidenhair Fern Mt Haleakala
Adiantum hispidulum 'Mt Haleakala'
Salta Splendor Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum lorentzii 'Salta Splendor'
Browse all 14 Adiantum varieties →
How to grow Adiantum
What the Adiantum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 14 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Adiantum year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March93% of varieties
Cut back old, dead fronds to the ground before new growth emerges.
- DivideMarch and September86% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if vigor declines.
- MulchMarch and April79% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- FertilizeApril71% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced liquid fertilizer as new growth begins
- PlantMarch, April and September64% of varieties
Plant or transplant in spring or early fall.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Place in shaded or partially shaded area
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct sunlight ❌
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
What goes wrong with Adiantum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on fronds, distorted growth | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Brown or black bumps on stems and fronds | Apply horticultural oil or remove manually |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing, and soft roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on fronds | Remove affected fronds and improve air circulation |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on fronds | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide if necessary |
Making more Adiantum
Division
- Carefully dig up mature clumps in early spring
- Separate rhizomes with healthy fronds using a sharp knife
- Plant divisions in prepared moist soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks
Spores
- Collect mature spores from the undersides of fronds in late summer
- Spread spores on moist, sterile seed-starting mix
- Cover lightly with soil and keep in high humidity
- Maintain temperature around 68°F (20°C)
- Wait 4-6 weeks for gametophyte development
Adiantum questions
How many types of Adiantum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 14 distinct Adiantum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 147 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Adiantum grow in?
Across its varieties, Adiantum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Adiantum bloom?
Most Adiantum varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Adiantum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Adiantum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Adiantum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
