MAIDENHAIR FERN

(Adiantum raddianum)

This delicate, arching fern is quite fussy and can be tricky to grow – it needs moisture, warmth, and a shady spot.

HOW NOT TO KILL IT

LOCATION:

Keep it at 60°-70°F (15°-21°C) and above 50°F (10°C) in winter. Place it away from heat registers and drafts. It needs a lot of humidity, so is good for a bathroom.

LIGHT: Keep it out of direct sunlight – about 3ft (1m) from a north window, or in the diffused light of an east -facing one.

WATERING + FEEDING: Water when the top 1/2in (1cm) of potting mix is dry, but let excess drain away – the mix should be moist. Feed once a month in spring or summer.

CARE: Place it on a pebble-filled tray of water and mist the leaves regularly to provide humidity – more often in a hot, dry room. Snip off the old fronts at the base.

FRONDS TURNING BROWN AND CRISPY?

This is due to low humidity, drafts, close proximity to a heat register, bright sunlight, or because the potting mix is too dry

SAVE IT: Snip off the affected fronds. Check that your plant isn’t in too bright a spot, or near the heating. Mist your plant regularly and set it on a tray of damp pebbles. Keep the potting mix moist.

LEAVES TURNING PALE?

If the leaves are pale, your plant may be in too much direct sun – in this case, it may have scorch marks on the leaves too. Alternatively, it could also be in too dark a spot. Your plant may also need feeding.

SAVE IT: Move it to a spot with diffused light. Feed your plant if you haven’t been doing so.

YELLOW LEAVES?

This could be due to under- or overwatering, or exposure to temperature fluctuations.

SAVE IT: Check that the potting mix isn’t waterlogged and make sure your plant isn’t near a heat register or air-conditioning vent.