posted
Hello everybody, I'm fairly new to this forum. Hopefully someone can help me. I've got a maidenhair fern and haven't been able to find much info on the net re care. From what little I've learned they don't like direct sunlight and prefer moist soil, not drenched. I've got mine in a brightly lit room and water about once every week to 2 weeks. Some of the leaves are turning brown. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Should I cut off the dead stems? Any info would be a great help. Thanks!!
Plants: 6 | From: Austin, TX | Registered: Apr 2004
| Seeded: 64.123.1.177
posted
Hi there, I wish I could help, I love maidenhair ferns and have had the same problem and wasn't able to help it in time (mostly because I just didn't know what to do). Here's a link to some info on the ferns. It sounds like they prefer a greenhouse environment, so perhaps put it in a terrarium or some place with more humidity.
Maybe someone else will pop on with more info... but until then, good luck!
Happy gardening!
* * * * Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. Plants: 766 | From: The real OC in sunny So. Cal. | Registered: Aug 2003
| Seeded: 216.114.206.2
posted
Hi Gardengal, Thanks for the help. I went to another forum specifically for ferns and was given this link about maidenhairs. Here it is for anyone that can use the info.
posted
There are many types of maidenhair... If your speaking of the southern maiden fern...they are picky little guys with soft little petals on a stem. I have mine outside in semi shade area where it is very moist at times.....hasn't grown very much but is still alive. As for the brown stems...just cut those out...they aren't coming back. It may force more to come up...hopefully. I would use the humidity pebble tray...and see if that helps. Sorry not much help. Oh yeah...they don't like to be touched for some odd reason. Catlover
* * * * Plants: 7129 | From: California | Registered: Mar 2003
| Seeded: 68.66.244.5
posted
Thanks for the reply Cat. I forgot to mention that I've got 3 A.Capillus-Veneris and they're in a wrought-iron wall hanging planter. I've got this thick brown straw-looking liner in it and used regular miracle gro soil. These are indoor plants. I was thinking maybe I wasn't watering enough so I've been watering a little everyday this week; we'll see what happens. After reading the info on the link I posted, I should probably add some sphagnum moss to the soil to help keep moisture in. What do ya'll think?
Plants: 6 | From: Austin, TX | Registered: Apr 2004
| Seeded: 64.123.1.177
posted
I don't know anything about the spag moss...maybe somebody else knows...but what I have done with my outdoor hanging baskets with moss or coconut liners is to place inside those... oh...they are the plastic things that go under plants to protect wooden surfaces...those little clear trays...anyway I put one of those inside the bottom of each basket and then plant as usual....from being outside they lose a lot of water through evaporation....So far watering is reduced to every three days....was everyday!!!
I dunno...this is just from my experience. Good Luck! Hopefully someone else can help you out more.
* * * * Plants: 7129 | From: California | Registered: Mar 2003
| Seeded: 68.66.244.5
posted
My Maidenhair ferns have been planted outdoors (for about a year) in soil which is moist most of the time. They have produced shoots which probably means they are doing alright. I must add that they are not planted in an area with direct sunlight. In fact, they are growing below a small tree which is about 4 feet in height. Hope this bit of info helps!
Plants: 6 | From: Asia | Registered: May 2004
| Seeded: 218.102.204.49
Will Creed
guest
posted
Maidenhair ferns are one of the most delicate, fragile, and unforgiving of all houseplants. The soil must stay evenly moist at all times; the temps must remain warm, but no too hot; humidity must be moderately high; and the light must be bright, but indirect. There is little margin for error with any of these for this particular plant. Oh yes, I almost forgot; the leaflets bruise and discolor readily when handled.
This is beautiful plant for a greenhouse or a terrarium where the environment is moist and constant.
I would advise against repotting. Just concentrate on keeping the soil at an appropriately moist level.
Seeded: 24.215.243.99
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Catlover 
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