Delta Maidenhair Fern

Delta Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum) is a graceful fern with small, rounded, lace-like fronds on glossy dark stems, growing 15cm to 50cm tall and about 50cm wide. It starts upright and becomes arched and cascading as the stems lengthen. Give it humidity, shade and steady moisture and it is one of the easiest fine-leaved ferns to grow.

Why you'll love it

• Lacy, delicate foliage. Small rounded fronds on glossy dark stems give a soft, airy texture that suits almost any shaded planting.
• Works indoors and out. It grows in terrariums, bathrooms, containers and shaded tropical gardens.
• Fits awkward spots. It is used in cracks in walls and paths, beside water features, and in living green walls.
• Cascades as it matures. Upright when young, it arches and trails as the stems grow.
• Kind to pets. Maidenhair ferns are generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Where it works best

Shaded, moist garden areas. Plant 40cm apart under trees or on the shaded side of the house, so the fronds merge into a soft green layer.

Water features and walls. Beside ponds and in the cool, damp cracks of old walls and paths, it settles in quickly.

Indoors, terrariums and living walls. A terrarium makes a pretty table centrepiece, and a bathroom with natural light gives the humidity it enjoys.

Growing Delta Maidenhair Fern in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or filtered light, out of strong sun and drying wind. It thrives in warm, humid conditions, so it suits tropical, subtropical and sheltered warm temperate gardens. Protect it from frost and draughts.

Soil. A free-draining, humus rich soil or a quality potting mix. Plant carefully with the crown of the fern above the soil line, because a buried crown rots, and make sure the mix drains well to avoid wet feet.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually about 12 weeks, then keep the soil moist but not soggy. Spray the foliage in dry weather and avoid overwatering. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring, and a liquid fertiliser every four weeks in the warmer months at half the recommended strength to avoid burn.

Pruning. Remove old fronds to keep the plant fresh and avoid disease. Re-pot container plants only when they are outgrowing the pot.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Delta Maidenhair Fern as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly) and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is a small, young fern that fills out quickly in warm, humid conditions. The 140mm pots in packs of 10 give a fuller plant for pots and shaded beds. Plant out soon after arrival, keep them moist and shelter them from wind.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Ferns for shady areas
• Plants for full shade
• Palms, ferns and tropical plants
• Growing ferns in Australia: light, humidity and placement

Common questions

Why are the fronds turning brown and crisp?

Usually dry air or dry soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, spray the fronds in dry weather, keep it away from draughts and strong sun, and cut away crisp fronds so new growth can come through.

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. Give it bright, indirect light, steady moisture and humid air, such as in a bathroom or a terrarium. Keep it away from heaters, air conditioners and draughts.

Does it need frost protection?

Yes. It likes warm, humid conditions, so protect it from frost and draughts. In cold areas, grow it in a pot and keep it under cover in winter.