True Maidenhair Adiantum aethiopicum

Common maidenhair fern is an evergreen perennial species of fern that is found in Tropical and Southern Africa, Madagascar, and Australia, New Zealand to New Caledonia. It is a small delicate fern with bright green wedge or diamond-shaped leaflets and wiry stems. It can be found from the coast to the lowlands in dry grasslands, sand dunes, scrub lands, and forests. The specific epithet, aethiopicum, is Latin and is derived the name, Aethiops, who was the African son of Vulcan and the Greek God of metalworking and fire. The name references this ferns African origin. It is a member of the ribbon-fern family (Pteridaceae).

This fern is easy to grow and prefers bright, indirect light and well-drained, moist, rich soil mix. In the wild, it tolerate a variety of soils including sand and clay. It prefers warm and humid conditions. Watering the plant twice a week is recommended, and rainwater or distilled water is recommended because of the plants sensitivity to fluoride. Mist the fronds or use a humidifier to maintain the adequate humidity levels. This plant does not need to fertilized frequently. If needed, use a balanced, liquid fertilizer about every 4 to 6 weeks. Once these ferns are established, they can become somewhat weedy. They can be propagated by division or by spores.

Common maidenhair fern has a clumping habit and has a rhizomatous root system with creeping stolons and can form spreading colonies. The fronds are yellow-green initially, then turn dark green with age. They appear horizontal and layered or can be upright. The fronds are oval to broad and are pinnately divided 2 to 3 times into leaflets or pinnae. The leaflet is fan-shaped, oblong, or rounded. The marginal flaps of the leaflet contain the spores.

This plant can be cultivated for garden use or as an indoor plant. It can be grown as a groundcover or in a hanging basket. When ground indoors, it is perfect for bathrooms and kitchen due to the increased humidity in those areas.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Common maidenhair fern is usually resistant to most insects and diseases. Monitor for scale insects, spider mites, and mealybugs. Inadequate water can cause the fronds to turn brown. Direct sunlight can cause the fronds to scorch. Yellowing of the fronds may suggest a lack of proper nutrients. 

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