The Story
Plant Bio
Adiantum, the maidenhair fern genus, is characterized by its delicate, fan-shaped leaf segments (pinnules) on wiry, black stalks (stipes), creating a light, airy texture.
A deciduous garden hybrid, noted for being one of the hardiest and most adaptable maidenhair ferns. It forms a clump of arching fronds with fresh green, triangular pinnules on black stems.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
15 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Keep soil moist
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Garden Origin
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or small plants into moist, well-draining soil in partial shade.
- Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for lush growth.
- Mist fronds regularly to maintain humidity, especially indoors or in dry climates.
- Provide filtered sunlight or dappled shade for optimal health.
- Transplant in early spring after the last frost for best establishment.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture to keep fronds vibrant and healthy.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds
- Prune dead or damaged fronds to encourage new growth
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Do not expose to direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch fronds
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leggy growth
- Do not let air circulate dry out the environment
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mairis's Maidenhair Fern questions
What zones can Mairis's Maidenhair Fern grow in?
Mairis's Maidenhair Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Mairis's Maidenhair Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Mairis's Maidenhair Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mairis's Maidenhair Fern bloom?
Mairis's Maidenhair Fern typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mairis's Maidenhair Fern need full sun?
Mairis's Maidenhair Fern does best in part shade.
More Adiantum to compare
Northern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum
Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Rock Springs'
Maidenhair Fern Miss Sharples
Adiantum pedatum 'Miss Sharples'
Himalayan Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum venustum
Alabama Lace Southern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Alabama Lace'
Japanese Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum japonicum
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mairis's Maidenhair Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.