If you don’t want to move your plant halfway through the year, place it in a north-facing window with plenty of indirect sunlight for the best results. How to Know if Your House Plant is Not Getting Enough Sun, Top 10 Best Houseplants for Allergy Sufferers, 11 Best Indoor Flowers for Beginners: Easy to Grow Bloomers, How to Save a Drooping Nerve Plant (Fittonia) in 3 Steps. Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Maidenhair Fern is part of the Adiantum genus that includes over 200 varieties of ferns grown around the world. STOP watering immediately. We recently bought a nearly dead maidenhair fern from a garage sale. However, waterlogging can cause a disease that can make the maidenhair fern die off in the worst case. Other popular indoor ferns include holly fern (Cyrtomium spp. – Erin LaFaive, Eau Claire County UW-Extension Horticulture Educator Maidenhair likes a tablespoon of ground limestone mixed in per gallon of potting mixture. Can Planting Asparagus Ferns Too Close Cause Them to Yellow? Silver dollar maidenhair fern, a type of fern with large divided leaves. Incredibly attractive, Adiantum venustum (Himalayan Maidenhair) is a deciduous fern, almost evergreen in mild areas, with broadly triangular fronds composed of many small fan-shaped segments. Keep an eye out for the following pests: the maidenhair fern aphid, which causes the fronds to curl up and turn black. Maidenhair ferns are native to damp, shady woods and forests. Northern maidenhair fern (A. pedatum var. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Ferns have been around for over 350 million years, with more than 20,000 fern types growing around the world, according to Trees.com. If you’ve been fertilizing too much, leaves can turn brown and drop off. C-Value: 10 Native to the eastern half of the United States. When growing maidenhair fern indoors, the plant prefers small containers and dislikes repotting.Maidenhair is also intolerant of low humidity or dry air from heating or cooling vents when grown in the home. Too much fertilizer will scorch delicate maidenhair fern foliage. The best way to avoid these diseases is to make sure your ferns are healthy and well fed, not overcrowded, with appropriate levels of moisture (not waterlogged). Check the soil every day and add more water if it feels dry. Water runs right through the pot and out of the drain hole instead of soaking into the soil. Also, some people apply it directly to their scalp to make their hair darker and to prevent hair loss. This means the air around the plant is too dry. It's true that the ferns can soak up water quickly, but the soil should never get soggy; it should remain in a consistently moist state. Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 55 degrees F. If your fern is in a sunroom or other area of the home that gets too hot during the day, this can damage the plant’s delicate leaves and cause the fronds to brown. Create a Yates account today! When overwatered, a fern will rot and die quickly. Click here to check out our favorite humidifier for houseplants on Amazon. It's the next best thing to natural moisture in the air. This fern grows from rhizomes that spread horizontally just beneath the surface of the soil. Your entire plant can even die, so keep a light touch when feeding. This fern grows from rhizomes that spread horizontally just beneath the surface of the soil. The plant completely fills the pot it is growing in. Diseases and pests affecting a maidenhair fern Watch out for scale, aphids or mealy bugs. What are the Health Benefits of Maidenhair Fern? While maidenhair ferns blanch in the presence of too much sun, they can also rebel over being fed too much water, especially by developing maidenhair fern root rot. Keeping the soil moist but not wet is the key to making maidenhair fern happy. Along with moderate temperatures, maidenhair ferns love humidity. Watering too often causes the lacy fronds to yellow and wilt. Ginkgo biloba, or maidenhair tree, is an ancient “living fossil” that is considered one of the oldest plants on earth.Based on fossil evidence, it has remained essentially unchanged since its debut 180 million years ago during the lower Jurassic period. Allow the soil to almost dry out, and then begin a proper watering schedule. Treat with an appropriate insecticide or pest oil, following the directions on the container. In fact, scorching is a common problem encountered by many fern owners, either by too much fertilizer or sunlight. If you keep the fern … Native geographic location and habitat. You may need to water more heavily during the growing season and less frequently during the winter months. Use room temperature water so you don’t shock the plant. The genus name is derived from the Greek word adiantos, which means "unwetted"—an apt description for the fern, since its leaves repel water.Maidenhair ferns have delicate fan-shaped leaf segments, typically clustered on wiry black stems. Half-strength liquid houseplant fertilizer from, say, April to September, will keep the leaves from turning brown, or worse, scorched. Adiantum / ˌ æ d i ˈ æ n t əm /, the maidenhair fern, is a genus of about 250 species of ferns in the subfamily Vittarioideae of the family Pteridaceae, though some researchers place it in its own family, Adiantaceae. Ancient physicians declared some … Join now. Other common names Delta maidenhair fern . Maidenhair fern species live in tropical, sub-tropical, and many temperate zones. Diseases and pests affecting a maidenhair fern Watch out for scale, aphids or mealy bugs. No serious insect or disease problems. Make sure to keep the water level below the pebbles so the pot is never standing in water. Maidenhair fern can be used as a clump-forming ground cover. A good insect prevention and treatment regimen will help you deal with these issues. Incorrect Temperatures. Emerging in late winter to early spring, the new fronds display a charming salmon flush before maturing to fresh spring green. Not watering often enough also causes the leaves to wilt. Ferns need indirect sunlight, moist soil, high humidity, and moderate temperatures to thrive. These specialized fronds do not live as long as regular fronds and if … Maidenhair Fern – Special Precautions & Warnings. Houseplanthelp.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Growing the maidenhair fern inside has provided some challenges for the houseplant enthusiast, but it is possible to grow successfully with a few tips. As with most ferns, maidenhair requires moderate temperatures. When growing maidenhair fern indoors, the plant prefers small containers and dislikes repotting.Maidenhair is also intolerant of low humidity or dry air from heating or cooling vents when grown in the home. Another possible cause is too much fertilizer. Use a humidifier near the plant to keep the humidity around 40 – 60 percent or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase moisture in the air. Pests and Diseases Problems include scale, mites, mealy bugs, snails, and slugs, but are usually not serious. A good insect prevention and treatment regimen will help you deal with these issues. Native Americans used Maidenhair Fern to make a poultice for wounds and stings. Click here to learn more about me. Also, wash and replace the pebbles regularly – about every three months – to prevent algae from growing. The ferns also prefer moderate temperatures, like most people. Characterized by its delicate, hand-shaped fronds, this plant actually grows natively in North America, unlike most houseplants. You’ll be able to spot fuzzy or powdery evidence of fungal disease or powdery mildew if they strike, while rot tends to affect the roots of plants, making them soft and slimy and darkening their color, while the plant above ground eventually starts to wilt or exhibit stunted growth. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. During the spring, a Maidenhair Fern produces fronds that seem to have tiny dark brown “spots” on the underside of the leaf edges. Black spots on the underside of the leaves will most probably be the reproductive spores of the plant, so don’t worry about them. She took this knowledge, combined it with her experience in running two marketing communication companies and now writes about communication, marketing, careers and other timely business topics for myriad national publications. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. So look at it this way: If you know of some of the “problems” that can undermine a maidenhair fern from the get-go, you’re more likely to view them as “maintenance steps.” Then you can enjoy this graceful plant with fronds that resemble small hearts, while it makes an indelible impression on yours. This is especially important if you use forced air to heat your home. Once they come into contact with moisture, maidenhair ferns are loath to give it up. pedatum) is common statewide and is one of the most widespread ferns in Missouri. C-Value: 10 Native to the eastern half of the United States. You can still grow ferns indoors, even in the desert, if you keep the conditions in your home hospitable. Adiantum pedatum (Northern Maidenhair Fern, Five-fingered Fern) is a maidenhair fern native to moist woodland in eastern North America.Adiantum aleuticum was once considered a subspecies. Black spots on the underside of the leaves will most probably be the reproductive spores of the plant, so don't worry about them. Take the issue of sunlight. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The most common plant illnesses that afflict maidenhair ferns are powdery mildew, rot, and fungal diseases. Diseases and pests affecting a maidenhair fern Watch out for scale, aphids or mealy bugs. – Erin LaFaive, Eau Claire County UW-Extension Horticulture Educator It may take a few weeks for new fronds to regenerate, but with time and a little patience, your efforts should be rewarded, and you can add your own chapter to the “difficult diva's” repertoire. Treat with an appropriate insecticide or pest oil, following the directions on the container. Mary honed her journalism skills in two of Chicago's scrappiest newsrooms: The Daily Herald and then the Chicago Sun-Times. Type-specific diseases to the maidenhair fern are not known. The plant can develop fungal diseases and root-rot if the soil is too wet. Many new maidenhair fern owners don’t fully understand the requirements of this resilient but delicate plant. Treat with an appropriate insecticide or pest oil, following the directions on the container. Rot and fungal disease occur as a result of excessively wet soil. If you are, you can compensate by plugging in a humidifier and misting the fronts with tepid water once a day. The ideal growing temperature is between 65 degrees and 75 degrees F during the day. Even if the potting mix dries out for a day, the fern will drop its leaves. Maidenhair fern can be used as a clump-forming ground cover. Even if the potting mix dries out for a day, the fern will drop its leaves. Results: Maidenhair fern exhibited to possess anti-diabetic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, hypocholesterolemic, goitrogenic, anti-thyroidal, antibacterial, antifungal, wound healing, antiobesity, anti hair loss, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal and antispasmodic, antioxidant as well as diuretic, anti-urolithiatic and detoxifying effects in modern medicine. Delta Maidenhair Fern can be easily propagated by division. Like most houseplants, the maidenhair fern is also prone to diseases that are caused by overwatering (fungal problems and rotting) and pests that often attack houseplants like mealybugs, mites and scales. Forty to 50 percent produces the best environment. can make graceful additions to shady gardens or bright, indirect areas of the home. Should I Put Epsom Salt in the Water That I Water My Ferns With? A north-facing windowsill is usually a good place to keep a maidenhair fern, as the fern won't receive much direct light. Leaves will scald and wilt if they’re exposed to intense, direct sunlight. Genus Adiantum can be deciduous or evergreen ferns with shiny black stalks bearing simple or more usually pinnately divided fronds, the segments fan-shaped, oblong or rounded, carrying spores under reflexed marginal flaps An east-facing window also works, since morning light is more gentle. Wet soil will eventually lead to root rot or other fungal diseases. If you haven’t been feeding enough, your plant may be starving and in need of nutrients. In the winter months, maidenhair ferns may tolerate an east-facing window. We found out why these plants don’t survive in certain conditions and brought ours back to life. Rot is displayed by the appearance of wilted, yellowing fronds. Are Maidenhair Ferns Susceptible to Diseases? The most common fern diseases are damping off, fungal/bacterial leaf spots and root, crown and stem rots. The genus name is derived from the Greek word adiantos, which means "unwetted"—an apt description for the fern, since its leaves repel water.Maidenhair ferns have delicate fan-shaped leaf segments, typically clustered on wiry black stems. Placing the plant in a north-facing window is often a smart move. Maidenhair Fern is part of the Adiantum genus that includes over 200 varieties of ferns grown around the world. This includes Asia, Andes Mountains of South America, Pacific coast, and eastern North American forests. Keep the light touch in mind when it's time to fertilize ‒ about every two weeks during warm months (and not at all during the winter). We keep it in our living room where most of our ferns live. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Maidenhair ferns are native to damp, shady woods and forests. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between watering, and never allow the pot to stand in water. If purchasing a humidifier isn’t an option right now, place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The indoor maidenhair fern requires a little more attention than most houseplants, but with some extra attention, it … Himalayan maidenhair fern, an evergreen fern from China which is mostly found in humus soil or moist rocks. SOLUTION: Add a humidifier to your home – either built into your heating system or a self-contained unit. Be cautious when you’re just beginning to get a feel for watering a new plant. Maidenhair ferns need to be repotted every couple of years and will fail to thrive if they become too crowded in their current pot. Synonyms Adiantum cuneatum Adiantum rubellum. SOLUTION: Never allow the soil of your maidenhair ferns to dry out completely. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Like most houseplants, the maidenhair fern is also prone to diseases that are caused by overwatering (fungal problems and rotting) and pests that often attack houseplants like mealybugs, mites and scales. Most at home in U.S. Department of Agriculture’s zones 9 through 11, maidenhair ferns must receive proper care to grow and flourish to their potential. We researched every possible solution to save this beautiful houseplant. Characterized by its delicate, hand-shaped fronds, this plant actually grows natively in North America, unlike most houseplants. The tender, red fiddleheads of maidenhair fern emerging in spring. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between watering, and never allow the pot to stand in water. Roots are growing out of drainage holes or over the sides of the pot. Keeping the soil moist but not wet is the key to making maidenhair fern happy. Moisture Maidenhair ferns must be kept moist. Call it a “diva issue,” but it's one that many gardeners reconcile by placing their plant in a self-watering pot. These specialized fronds do not live as long as regular fronds and if … Join now. Divisive or not, this plant is definitely beautiful. The most common plant illnesses that afflict maidenhair ferns are powdery mildew, rot, and fungal diseases. The genus name comes from Greek, meaning "unwetted", referring to the fronds' ability to shed water without becoming wet. This includes Asia, Andes Mountains of South America, Pacific coast, and eastern North American forests. Pests and Diseases: There is no serious pest or disease … About Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-veneris) The plant called the maidenhair fern is of great delicacy and beauty. Rosy maidenhair fern, a rough type of Maidenhair that is characterized by its strong appearance and rapid growth. If you continue watering regularly – without watering too much – new shoots will appear. Although neglect and drying out are the most common problems with maidenhair ferns they can also suffer from insect attack. Maidenhair fern is susceptible to root rot in soil that is kept too wet. Gardeners who report an abundance of maidenhair fern yellow leaves are probably those who exposed their plant to intense light. About Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-veneris) The plant called the maidenhair fern is of great delicacy and beauty. If the maidenhair fern is kept too wet or exposed to waterlogging, it usually does not take long for the root rot to infect the plant. How can you tell if your fern is overcrowded? Common diseases associated with Maidenhair Ferns are root rot, leaf-spot disease, botrytis, rust, powdery mildew & southern blight - click here to learn more about these issues. Diseases and pests affecting a maidenhair fern Watch out for scale, aphids or mealy bugs. Top Reasons Your Maidenhair Fern is Dying with Solutions Too Much Sunlight. Therefore, you will either need to mist the plant daily or set it … Too much sunlight, temperatures above 75 or below 60 degrees F, low humidity, inconsistent moisture, over-fertilization and overcrowding are the major culprits. Wet soil See the section on over fertlization above for tips on feeding your maidenhair ferns properly without scorching. Maidenhair fern is susceptible to root rot in soil that is kept too wet. But don’t give up! In general, ferns only need very light fertilization during the growing season, and newly potted plants don’t need to be fertilized for four to six months, or until active signs of growth are observed. The tender, red fiddleheads of maidenhair fern emerging in spring. Indoor ferns can be infected with bacterial blight, a disease that produces translucent spots across the plant's leaves. Also, some people apply it directly to their scalp to make their hair darker and to prevent hair loss. For this reason, they thrive in bathrooms if the temperature and lighting is adequate. Pests and Diseases: There is no serious pest or disease … The most common fern diseases are damping off, fungal/bacterial leaf spots and root, crown and stem rots. While it needs to be kept moist as part of its maidenhair fern care, you need to be careful not to over water the plant. To restore its lush good looks, all you have to do is remove the damaged leaves and care for it as you would a healthy plant, especially by keeping the roots moist (but not soggy). A humidifier creates a more comfortable environment for all your houseplants (and your family). The most common diseases and pests that you can encounter whilst caring for your maidenhair fern are aphids, scale and mealybugs. The indoor maidenhair fern requires a little more attention than most houseplants, but with some … care are overblown. Roots are growing out of the top of the soil or crowding out the soil. You’ll have to develop a feel for the soil to get it right. Rosy maidenhair fern, a rough type of Maidenhair that is characterized by its strong appearance and rapid growth. The maidenhair genus (Adiantum spp.) The Maidenhair Fern is known to have medicinal properties and can be used for treating rheumatism, coughs, jaundice, and menstrual cramps. The best way to avoid these diseases is to make sure your ferns are healthy and well fed, not overcrowded, with appropriate levels of moisture (not waterlogged). The maidenhair genus (Adiantum spp.) Look for these signs: SOLUTION: If you suspect your ferns are overcrowded, move them to a bigger pot or divide them in the spring just before new growth begins. consists of about 200 species of ferns native to North America and characterized by delicate, airy leaves that are generally pale or bright green. Many tribes throughout North America used all parts of this fern as a medicine and in basketry. No serious insect or diseases problems are known to affect Northern maidenhair fern. Many tribes throughout North America used all parts of this fern as a medicine and in basketry. Both Adiantum pedatum and aleuticum have fronds distinctively bifurcated and with pinnae on only one side. Divide clump in spring, leaving rhizome attached to one to two fronds, and pot in its own particular container. ... Disease, pests and problems. While maidenhair ferns blanch in the presence of too much sun, they can also rebel over being fed too much water, especially by developing maidenhair fern root rot. Synonyms Adiantum cuneatum Adiantum rubellum. Ferns thrive in soil that is moist but never soggy. Incredibly attractive, Adiantum venustum (Himalayan Maidenhair) is a deciduous fern, almost evergreen in mild areas, with broadly triangular fronds composed of many small fan-shaped segments. Native geographic location and habitat. In all this time, you would think that gardeners have figured out how to manage the issues that can most affect a fern’s growth, which include: Greener House Nursery says that these issues can be easily remedied with focus and attention. When you leave home for more than a few hours, make sure to keep your thermostat set between 65 and 75 degrees. Start by watering once a week. An east-facing window also works, since morning light is more gentle. But here's another reason to rest assured: One of the amazing qualities of the maidenhair fern is its distinctly “undiva-like” resilience. For a wide range of information on combating a large range of indoor plant diseases and pests click here. Toxicity Not known to be poisonous by consumption of pets and humans. Black spots on the underside of the leaves will most probably be the reproductive spores of the plant, so don't worry about them. Maidenhair fern (courtesy Robert H. Mohlenbrock) What a spiffy little fern! Growing the maidenhair fern inside has provided some challenges for the houseplant enthusiast, but it is possible to grow successfully with a few tips. So, why is your maidenhair fern dying? Therefore, you will either need to mist the plant daily or set it … Family Pteridaceae . Although neglect and drying out are the most common problems with maidenhair ferns they can also suffer from insect attack. As a rule of thumb, if the soil is dry to the touch, it needs water. These cookies do not store any personal information. Watering your houseplants – especially ferns – is more of an art than a science. Trees.com: 18 Different Types of Indoor and Outdoor Ferns with Pictures, Greener House Nursery: Master The Maidenhair Fern, Swoonworthy: 6 Secrets to Keeping Your Maidenhair Fern Alive. Other common names Delta maidenhair fern . SOLUTION: Move to a north-facing window for the ideal amount of light. Common diseases associated with Maidenhair Ferns are root rot, leaf-spot disease, botrytis, rust, powdery mildew & southern blight - click here to learn more about these issues. Maidenhair fern species live in tropical, sub-tropical, and many temperate zones. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Indoor ferns can be infected with bacterial blight, a disease that produces translucent spots across the plant's leaves. SOLUTION: Only feed Maidenhair ferns once a month with liquid houseplant fertilizer at ½ strength during April through September. Delta Maidenhair Fern can be easily propagated by division. Divide clump in spring, leaving rhizome attached to one to two fronds, and pot in its own particular container. Genus Adiantum can be deciduous or evergreen ferns with shiny black stalks bearing simple or more usually pinnately divided fronds, the segments fan-shaped, oblong or rounded, carrying spores under reflexed marginal flaps ), maidenhair fern (Adiantium sp. It’s relatively inexpensive, keeps indoor air at 40 – 60 percent humidity (perfect for ferns), runs quietly, and is very easy to clean. Divisive or not, this plant is definitely beautiful. ), and staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum). But then, so do other houseplants. It can bounce back from even the most taxing ordeal. “Moderate” means between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and no less than 55 degrees overnight. The most common diseases and pests that you can encounter whilst caring for your maidenhair fern are aphids, scale and mealybugs. The Maidenhair Fern is known to have medicinal properties and can be used for treating rheumatism, coughs, jaundice, and menstrual cramps. Northern maidenhair fern (A. pedatum var. Maidenhair fern leaves: ... Benefits Of Maidenhair Fern For Health. For the best results, use a potting mix that contains 50 percent peat moss. How do you save an overwatered fern? Rot is displayed by the appearance of wilted, yellowing fronds. Unlike many other houseplants, the fronds will not perk up again after being watered. Himalayan maidenhair fern, an evergreen fern from China which is mostly found in humus soil or moist rocks. Maidenhair fern leaves: ... Benefits Of Maidenhair Fern For Health. Native Americans used Maidenhair Fern to make a poultice for wounds and stings. If your fern lives in a south- or west-facing window, it’s getting too much light. The “spots” are really fern spores; this is how the fern propagates in nature. These spots increase in size rapidly and turn reddish-brown ringed with purple. Even if the potting mix dries out for a day, the fern will drop its leaves. The disease is caused by a bacterium that attacks a wide range of ornamental plants, or by a pathogen that causes rust disease on other plants. Pest problems. Treat with an appropriate insecticide or pest oil, following the directions on the container. Maidenhair fern (courtesy Robert H. Mohlenbrock) What a spiffy little fern!