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Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair Fern

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About This Plant

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.) grows naturally in humid forest understories, from the Americas to Asia. Indoors it reaches 30 to 45 cm tall and wide when given enough humidity and consistent moisture.

The lacy texture and dark stems set it apart from other ferns.

The combination of bright lime-green fan-shaped leaflets and near-black wiry stems creates a contrast that photographs and arranges beautifully. It suits a bright bathroom or a humid kitchen counter where moisture is naturally higher.

It is safe for homes with cats and dogs.

Adiantum ferns are confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. No need to keep it out of reach of pets or small children.

It recovers from a total collapse if the roots survive.

When the fronds dry out and turn brown, the plant looks dead but the roots often survive. Cut the dead fronds back to the base, water thoroughly, and place the pot in a humid spot. New growth usually appears within a few weeks. The Boston Fern is more forgiving of missed waterings if you want a lush fern with a higher margin for error.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows significantly from November onward as Canadian light levels and temperatures drop. The dry air from forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes is the biggest threat from November through March. Run a humidifier nearby or keep the plant in a bathroom that receives natural light.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Adiantum spp.). Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pests

Spider mites are a serious pest for Maidenhair Fern. The fine webbing they produce is hard to see against the delicate leaflets. Check the undersides of the fronds when watering.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Boston Fern.

For a fern with a similar lush appearance that handles slightly lower humidity and is easier to keep indoors during a Canadian winter, the Boston Fern is the most popular fern for Canadian homes.

Calathea Orbifolia.

If the humidity you can provide suits a Maidenhair Fern, it also suits a Calathea Orbifolia, which brings bold silver-striped leaves and similar care requirements.

Lemon Button Fern.

For a smaller, more compact fern that tolerates slightly drier conditions, the Lemon Button Fern brings a similar airy texture with less demanding watering.

Common Questions

Why did my Maidenhair Fern suddenly go completely crispy?

Maidenhair Fern is one of the fastest responders to dry air or dry soil of any common houseplant. Even one missed watering or a blast of dry air from a nearby vent can cause all the fronds to curl and crisp within a day. Cut the dead fronds back to the soil level and water thoroughly. If the roots are still firm and white, new fronds will emerge within a few weeks in a humid spot.

How do I keep the humidity high enough in a Canadian winter?

Forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes drops indoor humidity to 20 to 30 percent from November through March, which is far too dry for a Maidenhair Fern. A small humidifier running nearby is the most effective solution. A pebble tray of water beneath the pot also helps. Misting the fronds directly is not recommended, as wet fronds in cool conditions can encourage fungal issues. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more detail on managing winter humidity.

Is Maidenhair Fern toxic to cats and dogs?

No. Adiantum ferns are confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Maidenhair Fern is safe for homes with pets and small children.

Can I grow it in a bathroom?

A bathroom with a window is often the best spot in a Canadian home for a Maidenhair Fern. The steam from showers raises humidity naturally, and a frosted or clear window provides enough bright indirect light. Avoid windowless bathrooms, where light is too low for sustained growth.

How often should I water it?

Check the soil every two to three days. Water as soon as the surface feels barely dry. Unlike most houseplants that forgive an extra day between waterings, Maidenhair Fern cannot tolerate even brief periods of dry soil without crisping. Use room-temperature water and pour it slowly until it drains from the bottom. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check soil moisture before watering.

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Bright indirect or medium indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. Avoid any direct sun, which scorches the delicate leaflets and dries the fronds within hours.

Light: Medium to bright indirect

An east-facing window or a spot a few metres from a south-facing window works year-round. From October to February, move it closer to the glass. Do not place it in a spot with less than medium indirect light, as the fronds thin and lose their lustre.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Check every two to three days and water before the surface dries out. Use room-temperature filtered or overnight-rested tap water. Never let the soil dry out completely. Never leave it sitting in standing water.

Humidity: High, above 50 percent

Maidenhair Fern is one of the most humidity-sensitive plants available. A humidifier running nearby from November through March is the most reliable solution in a Canadian home. A pebble tray helps between humidifier runs. A naturally humid bathroom with a window is the easiest long-term spot.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA. Safe for homes with pets and small children.

Pro Tip

Cut all the crispy fronds to the base, water the soil, and place the pot in a humid spot with bright indirect light. If the roots are intact, new fronds almost always emerge within a few weeks. This recovery habit is one of the few forgiving traits this otherwise demanding plant has.


What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March, you can add Winter Shipping Protection at checkout. It adds insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from the cold in transit. Cold damage is only covered if it's added to your order.

You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If your plant arrives damaged, has pests, or starts to decline within 30 days, we'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping. 

Change of mind, repotted or trimmed plants, and cold damage without Winter Shipping Protection aren't covered. See our full Return Policy

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Plant care essentials

Everything you need to keep this plant thriving.

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