About
Adiantum hispidulum is a fern characterized by its creeping rootstock, which forms clumps of arching fronds that reach a height of approximately 40 cm. Each frond consists of five to seven divisions, showcasing leathery segments that are closely aligned along dark black midribs. The young fronds emerge in a rosy pink hue, transitioning to a bronzy dark green as they mature. While this fern is typically deciduous, it can retain its foliage year-round in milder climates or when cultivated indoors as a houseplant.
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
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Tropics & Subtropics
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile soil that does not dry out, or become waterlogged, in full or partial shade
- Pruning
- Remove damaged fronds in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by spores or division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors; may be susceptible to scale insects under glass
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free