Adianthum
Adianthum is the maiden hair fern, dainty and delicate where-ever they are grown, be it in the woods, gardenor greenhouse. There are tropical species for thegreenhouse, as well as 2 species native to theU.S. (A. pedarum in the North and A. capillus-veneris in the subtropical parts of the southernU.S.). The fronds are 2-3 times compound.All species of this genus should be grown inpartial shade whether in garden, greenhouse orhome, as the hot direct rays of the sun caninjure the young fronds. The tropical species (A. raddiannum cuneatum ‘Elegantissimunf fromBrazil, A. macrophyllum and A. mpillus-veneris) should be kept in a cool greenhouse with tem-peratures no lower than 56,-55= F. They shouldbe syringed occasionally to keep the foliage andthe atmosphere moist. Usually, none of thisgroup is successful in the home for any length oftime because of lack of sufficient atmosphericmoisture.
Propagation is by division or by spores.
capillus-veneris 18″ Zone 9 Southern Maidenhair Fern
Native to the warmer parts of the U.S., toBritish Columbia and the tropics, this makes agood greenhouse plant. The fronds grow from acreeping rhizome, the stalk is glossy andpurplish black and the frond itself is 2-3 timescompound with the ultimate segments beingsomewhat fan shaped, lobed and about in.wide. This has been used as a fine house plant,producing many new fronds. As the old onesturn brown, carefully cut them out at the base.Like most ferns, the potting mixture best suited for these is one of equal parts loam, leafmold, peat moss and sand, with a few pieces ofcharcoal.
hispidulum 6″-12″ Zone to Rosy Maidenhair Fern
Native to the tropics of the .stern hemisphere,this fern is one which grows quickly and so hasmerit as a greenhouse plant in the homegreenhouse.
pedatum 18″-26″ Zone 3 American Maidenhair Fern
This is the most common member of this genus,widely distributed throughout the moist woodlands of North Americo. The stalk is a shinypurplish bunk, branching at the top. The pinnaeare borne horizontally, each of the small seg-sects being rather oblong in outline andlong, but the entire honk is more or lessrounded and up to 18 in. wide, twice compound.Many consider this the daintiest of all the nativeAmerican ferns. The rhizome creeps along justunderneath the surface of the soil. It requirescool, moist soil and a shaded situation, spread-ing slowly.
raddianum euneatum 15′ Zone 10 Delta Maidenhair Fern
This is generally grown by florists, especiallyfor cutting. It is a greenhouse plant, being nativeto the tropics of Brazil. The fronds are 3-4 pin-nate, up to 9 in. wide, and the small, fan-shapedsegments are in. wide.
There are several attractive varieties such as’Elegantissimum’, ‘Gracillimum’, ‘Grande’ and’Pacottii.. When the fronds are to be cut fordecorations, select the older, more rigid ones,for the younger fronds wilt quickly. In any event,they might be immersed in water for a daybefore using. Even in the greenhouse theseplants should be in partial shade, for strongsunlight burns the tender young foliage. Aminimum temperature of 55¬∞ F. is satisfactory.
x tenerum ‘Farleyense’ 2′-3′ Zone 10
A rare hybrid in America, originating in theBarbados, but becoming known as the showiestplant in this genus. The leaves are nearly 2-3 ft.wide and the individual segments almost 0 in.tog, making this the largest-Ieaved species.The segments are either light green or eventinted pink. An excellent type where it can beobtained and grown in the moist greenhouse.
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