Also known as Maidenhair Fern · 206 saves
Adiantum
Adiantum, the genus most gardeners know as maidenhair fern. We track 17 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 17 most-saved Adiantum varieties
6 species of Adiantum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Adiantum in Sow
Save the Adiantum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Adiantum
Whats common across all Adiantum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 17 most-grown of them.
The Adiantum year
- DivideApril and October82% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years if vigor declines.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April82% of varieties
Cut back old, dead fronds to the ground before new growth emerges.
- MulchApril and May71% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- FertilizeMay65% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced liquid fertilizer as new growth begins
- PlantApril, May and October53% 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 |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses at frond bases and along stalks | Dab off with an alcohol-moistened swab; ferns are easily damaged by sprays |
| Scale | Small brown bumps on the wiry black stalks | Wipe off by hand and isolate the plant while treating |
| 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 |
| Rhizome rot | Collapse of the crown in wet, poorly drained soil | Improve drainage and reduce watering; affected crowns rarely recover |
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 17 distinct Adiantum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 206 real gardeners — 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. 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.