The Story
Plant Bio
Adiantum capillus-veneris, commonly known as Southern Maidenhair Fern, is a delicate perennial fern with fine, lacy fronds that arch gracefully and display vibrant green foliage. It thrives in shaded, moist environments.
The 'Alabama Lace' cultivar is distinguished by its particularly intricate, lace-like fronds that provide a striking, ornamental texture, making it a popular choice for shaded garden areas and hanging baskets.
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
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Worldwide in temperate and tropical regions
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Early spring – Early fall
In flower about 7 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or divisions into moist soil
- Keep soil consistently moist and shaded
- Mist fronds regularly to maintain humidity
- Use organic compost for rich soil
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and shade for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide indirect shade
- Use organic fertilizers quarterly
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils
- Don’t neglect humidity
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Alabama Lace Southern Maidenhair Fern questions
What zones can Alabama Lace Southern Maidenhair Fern grow in?
Alabama Lace Southern 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 Alabama Lace Southern Maidenhair Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Alabama Lace Southern Maidenhair Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Alabama Lace Southern Maidenhair Fern bloom?
Alabama Lace Southern Maidenhair Fern typically blooms in early spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Alabama Lace Southern Maidenhair Fern need full sun?
Alabama Lace Southern 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
Mairis's Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum x mairisii
Japanese Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum japonicum
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Alabama Lace Southern 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.