Adiantum pedatum
Houseplants & Succulents

Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum pedatum

Maidenhair Fern · Light: Shade · Water: Moderate. Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

LightShade
WaterModerate
DifficultyEasy to moderate
CategoryHouseplants & Succulents
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Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.

Maidenhair Fern — Growing reference

Scientific nameAdiantum pedatum
First harvest or flowering (days)60–120
Measured fromTransplant
Plant spacing (cm)30.5–45.7
Mature height (cm)30.5–61
Mature spread (cm)30.5–45.7
USDA hardiness zones3–8
LightShade
WaterModerate
Sowing methodDivision

Growing directions

This elegant native fern requires deep to dappled shade and reliably moist, near-neutral to slightly alkaline soil; it is particularly stunning near water features where humidity stays high. Plant the shallow, creeping rhizome horizontally just below the soil surface and avoid root disturbance once established. The distinctive fan-shaped, horizontally tiered fronds on dark wiry stems die back completely in winter; mark the location to avoid accidentally digging the dormant rhizome. Divide overgrown clumps in early spring by gently separating rhizome sections, each with at least one growing tip.

Source and local conditions

Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.

OpenPlantDB · maidenhair-fern

Source & verification

OpenPlantDB · CC0

Open reference source ↗