People rarely notice the gametophyte-generation plants, which are tiny, green, flat, heart- or kidney-shaped leaflike structures. The "fingers" may be drooping or erect, depending on whether the individual fern grows … Spores are produced June–August. Some of the most popular species kept as houseplants are the northern, southern, and western maidenhair fern. They reproduce with spores that form on the underside of the fronds. Spores are produced on the undersides of bent-under edges of the leaflet lobes and are hidden by the bent-under edges. If you start to see little brown spots underneath the leaves, you can cut off a few fronds and sandwich them between two slips of paper for a few days until the spores drop off the leaves. Since this is a fern, you can also propagate using spores! Maidenhair ferns can be challenging, but they’re so beautiful that it’s well worth learning to care for them! Some people also do well with the bottom watering method. Characterized by its delicate, hand-shaped fronds, this plant actually grows natively in North America, unlike most houseplants. If it feels at all dry to the touch, water immediately! Ferns have a two-parted life cycle. Camptosorus rhyzophyllus), Northern_Maidenhair_Fern_Clifty_10-27-12.jpg, Southern_Maidenhair_Fern_pinnule_7-26-07.jpg, Southern_Maidenhair_Fern_growth_habit_12-11-18.jpg, Northern_Maidenhair_Fern_A_pedatum_12-11-18.jpg, Northern_Maidenhair_Fern_Ozark_Co_5-1993.jpg, Northern_Maidenhair_Fern_Fiddlehead_Clifty_4-20-13.jpg, Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants. Southern maidenhair fern is mostly found in the Ozark and Ozark Border regions. Spores are contained in sacs called sporangia. Description : Missouri’s native maidenhair ferns (genus Adiantum) are perennials that spread with short-creeping rhizomes. Each frond is divided once or twice, and the leaflets (pinnules) are generally wedge-shaped or rectangular, with lobed outer tips. The maidenhair fern is not toxic to dogs or cats. Northern maidenhair fern is less common on rocks or boulders; instead, it is more often found on rich slopes of ravines in mesic (moist) upland forests. To do this, place your pot in a deep tray full of water, and keep the water topped off. During the spring, a maidenhair fern produces fronds that seem to have tiny dark brown “spots” on the underside of the leaf edges. Maidenhair ferns have had a variety of medicinal uses by cultures worldwide, and some people still use it. Check the plant every day and water when the top of the soil starts to feel slightly dry. A very simple way of thinking about the green world is to divide the vascular plants into two groups: woody and nonwoody (or herbaceous). But unlike flowering plants, they do not have flowers, fruits, or seeds. They love to be consistently moist at all times. densum , Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org. Adiantum aethiopicum, also known as the common maidenhair fern, is a small fern of widespread distribution, occurring in Africa, Australia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand.. Adiantum aethiopicum was one of the many species first described by Linnaeus, in this case in his Systema naturae in 1759. A far corner in a bright room works best, or a corner near a window in a north-facing room is also a good choice. Most people seem to experience a steep learning curve with these plants (I sure did!). Often grown indoors in temperate regions reaching a moderate size of 30 cm tall. (maidenhair fern) Biodisc photomicrograph Some ferns, rather than having spores borne on all leaflets, have separate specialised spore-bearing (fertile) leaflets and separate photosynthetic, sterile leaflets. Lush, cascading southern maidenhair fern greets canoeists as they float bluff-lined Ozark streams. Northern maidenhair fern looks a little bit like miniature palm trees. The easiest way to achieve this is to keep a deep tray under the pot they are in (self watering pots work great for this too.) The plant may start to grow new leaves to replace the dead ones within a few months. It can grow in dense colonies on bluffs along many Ozark spring-fed streams and rivers. Maidenhair Fern is part of the Adiantum genus that includes over 200 varieties of ferns grown around the world. White, so you can more easily see them. The diversity of nonwoody vascular plants is staggering! (Fun fact: ferns produce spores, not seeds.). After a few days there should be a fine dusting of brownish coloured spores in your envelope. Note: If you accidentally let the plant dry out, you might be able to revive it. Southern maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) has fronds that droop, and its leafstalks (petioles) don’t branch at the tips. Water: Maidenhair ferns are one of the few plants that you cannot over-water! The leaflet veins are easy to see, and they divide by twos one to several times, forming a fan pattern. Leave a comment and let us know! When it becomes necessary, your Maidenhair Fern should be re-potted in the spring, using a rich, well-drained potting mix, in a planter with plenty of drainage holes. Our maidenhair fern receives direct morning sun everyday which is how it managed to grow to this size in only three months. Your plant is too dry. The genus name, Adiantum, has Greek roots and means “unwetted”: water rolls off the leaflets. Keep your maidenhair fern well away from vents and drafts, heaters, or anything that expels dry air, or you’ll wind up with a dried-out pot of leaves in no time! The developing fronds (fiddleheads, or crosiers) of northern maidenhair fern are pink. Rough Maidenhair, A. hispidulum. Maidenhair ferns have delicate fan-shaped leaf segments, typically clustered on wiry black stems. Maidenhair Ferns grow from rhizomes that spread under the surface of the soil, making them very easy to propagate by dividing the roots into three or four pieces in early spring. The growth habit helps separate Missouri's two maidenhair fern species. Maidenhair ferns are distinctive and beautiful. Their delicate feathery or lacy leaves with shiny dark stems makes them popular. Fern spores are like microscopic seeds that can be used to propagate more plants, but it is not easy. Be careful not to pour water onto the delicate leaves, because this can break them. Also, make sure your plant isn’t getting direct sunlight. (Fun fact: ferns produce spores, not seeds.) Unlike mosses and algae, ferns and fern allies have a vascular system for carrying nutrients and water throughout their roots, stems, and leaves. Since this is a fern, you can also propagate using spores! each time I water, or even every other time. Dry leaves: Your plant is too dry. This fern is characterized by the branching feather-like leaves which are reddish pink when they newly emerge. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Find local MDC conservation agents, consultants, education specialists, and regional offices. Try increasing humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray. Avoid terracotta pots, because these can cause the soil to dry out too quickly. Temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit work best, but never let it drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or it will kill your fern! Try increasing humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray. The maidenhair fern belongs to the genus Adiantum, which is a Greek word for “unwetted.” This refers to the waxy, water-repellant coating on the leaves. These specialized fronds do not live as long as regular fronds and … Once you get the light and water right, you’ll be well on your way to owning a beautiful, thriving fern that brings a touch of the temperate rainforests to your space. Some maidenhair ferns are labeled “deer-resistant” since deer will not eat the foliage. These plants like high humidity. What are your tips for how to care for a maidenhair fern? The Best Place to Buy a Majesty Palm Online, How to Reverse Over-Fertilization in Houseplants, How to Clean Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves (Video), Top Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Tips from Guest Expert Alessandra Pham. (Easy to remember, right?) Note the tiny black spores resting on the frond. Maidenhair Fern is part of the Adiantum genus that includes over 200 varieties of ferns grown around the world. Gathering spores only requires patience, persistence and attention to detail.