About
Adiantum venustrum is a species of maidenhair fern in the family Pteridaceae, recognised by the genus’s finely divided fronds set off by darker stipes. The fronds are bright green and the spore-bearing sori are borne close to the margins and are covered by reflexed flaps of leaf tissue. Plants in this group are associated with humus-rich, moist, well-drained sites and often occur on damp rock faces and around water seepage.
About the genus
Adiantum, the maidenhair fern, is a genus of about 250 species of ferns in the subfamily Vittarioideae of the family Pteridaceae, though some researchers place it in its own family, Adiantaceae. The genus name comes from Greek, meaning "unwetted", referring to the fronds' ability to shed water without becoming wet.
Wikipedia contributors, "Adiantum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Adiantum
In the garden
Adiantum venustrum belongs to the maidenhair fern genus Adiantum within the Pteridaceae. Members of this genus characteristically produce delicate, pinnate fronds and darker stipes and rachises; their reproductive sori lie near the frond margins and are protected by reflexed leaf tissue. Species in the genus are most commonly encountered in humid, shaded micro-sites where organic, moisture-retentive but free-draining substrate is available. For cultivation, mimic those conditions: provide a shaded or semi-shaded position with high humidity, an open, humus-rich medium and consistent moisture without waterlogging. Plants tolerate crevices and vertical surfaces and are frequently successful on damp rock walls or beside streams where constant seepage maintains humidity. Avoid hot, dry exposure and heavy direct sun, which can desiccate the finely divided fronds. In a UK garden this plant suits shady borders, the edges of ponds or streams, rockery crevices and sheltered wall ledges. Propagation is by spores or division of established crowns for species that form clumps. Look for the characteristic submarginal sori hidden under reflexed flaps along each frond edge when identifying or checking spore development.
