Mairis's Hardy Maidenhair Fern Adiantum × mairisii

Water

Mairisii Fern requires consistent moisture, meaning the soil should be kept damp but not waterlogged. Water the plant sufficiently every one to two weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of its environment, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before rewatering. Use lukewarm water to avoid shock and aim for about 16 to 32 ounces (0.12 to 0.25 gallons) per watering session for a medium-sized pot. If the air is very dry, especially during winter months, increase the frequency to maintain the necessary moisture levels. Always avoid letting the Mairisii Fern sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Mairisii Fern thrives in bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a location where it can receive plenty of diffused sunlight, such as near a north- or east-facing window. Direct afternoon sun can scorch its delicate fronds, so if only a south- or west-facing window is available, use a sheer curtain to filter the light. This plant also adapts well to fluorescent light, making it suitable for office environments or rooms with less natural light.

Temperature

Mairisii Fern prefers a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth, making it suitable for most indoor settings. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50°F but should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. The ideal conditions also include average household humidity levels; if the air is too dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to help increase the moisture in the air.

Pruning

Pruning Mairisii Fern is primarily for removing dead or yellowing fronds to maintain the plant's appearance and encourage healthy growth. Light pruning can be done periodically throughout the year as needed. The best time for more extensive pruning is during the spring, which is the start of the growing season. Prune sparingly, as this fern does not usually require extensive cutting back, and always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mairisi's Fern prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of peat, pine bark, and perlite in equal parts creates an ideal substrate that holds moisture yet allows excess water to drain, preventing root rot.

Repotting

Mairisi's Fern should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot during the spring season, which gives the plant time to establish in the new pot before winter.

Humidity & Misting

Mairisi's Fern thrives in high humidity, ideally between 60-80%. Maintaining this level of humidity will help prevent the delicate fronds from drying out and turning brown.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Mairisi's Fern in bright, indirect light with high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Keep Mairisi's Fern in shade to partial sun, protect from harsh elements.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

As a fern, Mairis's Maidenhair (Adiantum × mairisii) begins its life cycle with the release of spores from mature fronds, the plant's leaf-like structures. These spores germinate in moist conditions to form a heart-shaped gametophyte, which is a small, green, photosynthetic structure that contains both male and female reproductive organs. Fertilization occurs when sperm from the male organs swim to the female organs in the presence of water, leading to the development of a diploid zygote. The zygote then develops into a new sporophyte, the typical fern plant, which initially grows from the gametophyte tissue and eventually becomes an independent plant. As the Mairis's Maidenhair matures, it produces fronds with sori, clusters of spore-producing structures, on their undersides, which complete the reproductive cycle. The mature fern continues to grow and spread, often forming large, attractive clumps of delicate, fan-shaped fronds with dark, wiry stems.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Mairis’s Hardy Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum × mairisii, is often propagated through division, which is the splitting of its rhizomes. The best time to propagate these ferns by division is in the spring, as this is when the plant is coming out of dormancy and beginning a period of active growth. To propagate by division, the fern should be carefully lifted from its container or garden location, and the root ball should be gently teased apart or cut with a sharp, clean knife into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has a portion of the rhizome and fronds. These divisions can then be potted in separate containers with well-draining, fern-appropriate potting mix, or planted directly in the garden if the weather conditions are suitable. It is important to maintain consistent moisture for the newly transplanted divisions while they establish themselves over the following weeks, and to keep them in a dappled shade location similar to their native environment.