About
This compact deciduous fern reaches a height of about 10 cm and features sleek black stems that support finely divided fronds. The fronds consist of densely packed, elongated segments in a vibrant green hue.
About the genus
Adiantum consists of ferns that may be either deciduous or evergreen, characterized by lustrous black stems. These ferns typically feature fronds that are either simple or, more commonly, divided pinnately. The individual segments can be fan-shaped, oblong, or rounded, and they produce spores beneath reflexed marginal flaps.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Outdoors grow in moderately fertile soil. Under glass grow in a mix of 1 part each of loam, medium grade bark, charcoal and lime chippings; 2 parts sharp sand; 3 parts leaf mould. Provide bright filtered light in medium to high humidity with good ventilation. When in growth apply a half strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Remove damaged fronds in spring
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate from spores
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects under glass
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free