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common maidenhair (Adiantum capillus-veneris)

Adiantum capillus-veneris is a perennial lithophytic fern with short to creeping rhizomes that can form spreading clumps.

LightSources differ somewhat on light: partial to full shade with bright, indirect light is described as suitable, with strong direct sunlight avoided, while some sources indicate that stronger light may be tolerated under su
WaterKeep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged or saturated, while maintaining ample environmental moisture.
HumidityIt prefers high humidity and has a high humidity need.
TemperatureThe few available sources report a minimum temperature of about 12 °C. It is generally rated RHS H3 and described as tender.
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Overview

Adiantum capillus-veneris is a perennial lithophytic fern with short to creeping rhizomes that can form spreading clumps.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, describing it broadly across warm-temperate to tropical regions, including western and southern Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and many parts of the Americas; it is described as native but not endemic to Taiwan. It commonly grows in moist, shaded, well-drained settings such as rock faces, rock crevices, limestone areas, near streams and springs, caves, and canyons, and also occurs in forests and other moist habitats. It is associated with warm, humid climates from warm-temperate to tropical regions.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 10–50 cm; the few available sources report a mature spread of about 10–50 cm. Sources differ in describing its growth rate as slow to moderate. The delicate, thin fronds are pale green to green and typically divided repeatedly, with fan-shaped, obliquely fan-shaped, or nearly diamond-shaped pinnules with lobed margins and slender, glossy, purple-black to black stalks and axes. It has a creeping rhizome.

Light

Sources differ somewhat on light: partial to full shade with bright, indirect light is described as suitable, with strong direct sunlight avoided, while some sources indicate that stronger light may be tolerated under suitable conditions such as high humidity. It tolerates shade.

Watering

Keep the growing medium evenly moist but not waterlogged or saturated, while maintaining ample environmental moisture.

Humidity and airflow

It prefers high humidity and has a high humidity need.

Temperature and dormancy

The few available sources report a minimum temperature of about 12 °C. It is generally rated RHS H3 and described as tender.

Growing medium and mounting

It grows in moist but well-drained media rich in humus or organic matter and can grow in sandy, loamy, clay, or chalky soils, with a preference for neutral to alkaline conditions and a high tolerance of calcium carbonate.

Feeding

Potted plants are reported to require feeding.

Propagation

It can be propagated by division or spores, with each division retaining a section of rhizome. Sori occur along the frond margins or in shallow notches associated with the fan-shaped veins, and spores can be used for propagation.

Common problems

Sources differ on pests: the Florida fern caterpillar may occur, while it is also described as generally having no significant pest problems. It is generally reported to have no significant disease problems. Strong sunlight may cause sun scorch, and dry conditions are unsuitable; it does not tolerate drought or strong direct sunlight and prefers protected, moist conditions.

Identification

Adiantum capillus-veneris has slender, black, wiry frond stalks and axes, with fan-shaped to obliquely fan-shaped pinnules arranged in a flat plane; sori occur along the pinnule margins and are covered by the reflexed leaf margins.

Photos

Adiantum capillus-veneris
📷 unknown · Public domain · source
Adiantum capillus-veneris
📷 Balles2601 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Adiantum capillus-veneris
📷 no rights reserved, uploaded by Kate Harper · CC0 · source

Sources