Adiantum hispidulum · Rosy maidenhair fern

The plant shows the classic maidenhair fern architecture: wiry, glossy black to dark-brown stipes and rachises bearing small, fan-to-wedge-shaped pinnae with the diagnostic asymmetrical fan outline typical of Adiantum. What distinguishes it from the previously-rejected Adiantum raddianum are: (1) the pinnae appear somewhat thicker/leathery and more closely overlapping rather than finely dissected and lacy as in A. raddianum; (2) several fronds show a pinkish-red to rusty-orange flush on new growth and some pinnae margins, which is a hallmark of Adiantum hispidulum (rosy/rough maidenhair), whose emerging fronds are typically tinged pink-red before maturing to green; (3) the frond forking pattern looks more digitate/forked near the base rather than the repeatedly pinnate-pinnatifid pattern typical of A. raddianum cultivars. However, I can't fully rule out Adiantum tenerum or a heavily discolored/stressed specimen of another Adiantum species from this image alone, since lighting and plant stress (note the dead brown fronds in the pot) make pinnae shape and texture hard to judge precisely. A close-up of a single frond showing pinnae shape, sori placement on the pinnae margin, and stipe surface texture (hairy vs. smooth) would help confirm species-level identification.

Generated 2026-08-17 18:29 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).

Light

Bright, filtered/indirect light; avoid direct sun which scorches the fronds, but too much shade will slow growth.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; water when the surface just starts to dry out, roughly twice a week indoors. Never let it fully dry out or fronds will crisp and die back.

Nutrients

Weak balanced liquid fertilizer (half-strength) monthly during spring through fall; skip in winter.

Repotting

Repot annually or every other year in spring as it fills its pot; handle the shallow, fibrous root system gently.

Soil media

Rich, well-draining potting mix with added peat/coir and perlite for moisture retention plus drainage.

Temp & humidity

65-75F; high humidity (50-60%+) - mist regularly or use a pebble tray/humidifier, especially in dry conservatory zones.

Temperature range

🌡️ 65-75F

Humidity range

💦 50-60%+

Care group

🏷️ Low Light & Humid

Toxicity

No known toxicity concerns for pets or people.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free but can get scale or mealybugs; root rot or frond dieback if soil dries out or drainage is poor. Sensitive to dry air and fluoride/chlorine in tap water, which can cause leaf tip browning.

Propagation

Division at repotting time -- separate rhizome clumps with fronds and roots attached and pot into moist mix.

Generated 2026-08-17 18:30 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).