Adiantum raddianum

RHS Plant Profile
Delta maidenhair fern

Other common names

roseate maidenhair fern

Synonyms

Adiantum rubellum
Adiantum cuneatum

Ferns Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A tender evergreen fern about 60cm tall, the black-stalked, triangular fronds with rounded to triangular, variably lobed segments, the colouring a pale green initially, but darkening with age

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Bushy
Genus
Adiantum can be deciduous or evergreen ferns with shiny black stalks bearing simple or more usually pinnately divided fronds, the segments fan-shaped, oblong or rounded, carrying spores under reflexed marginal flaps
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Tropical America: W Indies

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow as a house or conservatory plant indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost. Position the container in bright, indirect light with good ventilation. Water freely and apply a half strength, general liquid feed monthly from mid spring to late summer. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Water sparingly in winter. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further information

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe at a minimum of 21°C, or propagate by division of the rhizomes in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Hanging Basket
  • Houseplants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Plant requires little pruning other than the removal of dead leaves

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free