Adiantum Raddianum fragrans - Maiden hair fern

Adiantum raddianum ‘Fragrans’, most people know it as the Maidenhair Fern, and it is easily one of the most elegant plants we have in stock. It has those delicate, triangular fronds and dark, wiry stems that look almost like hair—hence the name! It’s a bit of a "drama queen" if I’m being honest, but once you find the right spot for it, it’s absolutely stunning.

Origin

• Native Habitat: This particular cultivar stems from species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, specifically Brazil.

• Natural Environment: In the wild, you’d find it growing on forest floors or tucked into rocky crevices near waterfalls, where the air is thick with moisture and the light is dappled.

Care Guide

• Light: It fancies a spot with bright, indirect light. Whatever you do, keep it out of the midday sun, as those papery leaves will scorch and turn crisp in an afternoon. A north or east-facing windowsill is usually spot on.

• Watering: This is the golden rule—never let the soil dry out. The compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge at all times. If the soil goes bone-dry, the fronds will shrivel up almost instantly.

• Humidity: Being a tropical soul, it craves high humidity. It’ll be happiest in a steamy bathroom or kitchen. If you want to keep it in the lounge, sit the pot on a tray of wet pebbles or invest in a small humidifier.

• Temperature: It prefers a consistent, temperate environment. Do keep it away from cold draughts or radiators, as it hates sudden temperature swings.

• Feeding: During the growing season (spring and summer), give it a splash of liquid liquid fertiliser at half-strength about once a month.

• Pruning: Don't be afraid to snip off any brown or tatty fronds at the base with a sharp pair of kitchen snips. This encourages fresh, lush growth from the centre.

• Non-Toxic: safe for pets

Top Tip: If you do accidentally forget to water it and it looks "dead," don't bin it! Cut all the dry foliage back to the soil level, keep the earth moist, and you'll often see tiny green "knuckles" emerging again in a few weeks.

Sold without decorative pot, colour and size may vary slightly.

Local plant delivery or collection available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.