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(Adiantum capillus-veneris)
Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
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Jungle Rebel
CC BY 2.0
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Jungle Rebel
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jungle Rebel | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Jungle Garden | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Adiantum capillus-veneris, commonly known as Southern maidenhair fern, is a delicate, evergreen fern native to streambanks, moist woodlands, and shaded, rocky areas globally, with a wide distribution that includes the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa. It typically grows 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) in height, featuring small, fan-shaped leaflets on wiry, black stems that give it a light and airy appearance. The fern’s fronds are light green, with a feathery texture, and it does not produce flowers or seeds, but reproduces via spores that appear as brown dots underneath the fronds.
Adiantum capillus-veneris is valued for its elegant foliage and is used in shaded garden areas, as a ground cover, in rock gardens, and as a graceful houseplant. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it suitable for indoor environments. It requires consistently moist soil high in organic matter, and although it prefers high humidity, it should not be overwatered to prevent root rot. It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 12 °C (54 °F). This fern is propagated by division, ensuring each new plant has a piece of the rhizome. It is generally pest-free but can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs in poor conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Adiantum capillus-veneris is valued for its elegant foliage and is used in shaded garden areas, as a ground cover, in rock gardens, and as a graceful houseplant. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it suitable for indoor environments. It requires consistently moist soil high in organic matter, and although it prefers high humidity, it should not be overwatered to prevent root rot. It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 12 °C (54 °F). This fern is propagated by division, ensuring each new plant has a piece of the rhizome. It is generally pest-free but can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs in poor conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Streambanks, moist woodlands, and shaded, rocky areas
Other Names
Common Names: Black Maidenhair Fern, Venus Hair Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Venus’s Hair Fern, Venus’s Maidenhair, Kuzbarat Al-Bir, VenushÃ¥r, ë´‰ìž‘ê³ ì‚¬ë¦¬, Frauenhaarfarn, Culantrillo De Gruta, Culantrillo De Pozo
Scientific Names: , Adiantum capillus-veneris, Adiantum capillus, Adiantum tenerum, Adiantum affine, Adiantum emarginatum, Adiantum capillus-veneris var. modestum, Adiantum modestum, Adiantum moritzianum, Adiantum capillus-veneris var. fissum
GBIF Accepted Name: Adiantum capillus-veneris L.