Adiantum raddianum, the Delta maidenhair fern, is one of the most popular ferns to grow indoors.[3] It is native to South America and its common name comes from its shiny, dark leafstalks that resemble human hair.[4] It typically grows about 17–19 in (43–48 cm) tall and up to 22 in (56 cm) wide.[5] In the wild, it is found on forest floors, rock crevices, river banks, coastal cliffs, and basalt banks along trails and streams.[6] The triangular fronds are semi-erect in the beginning then droop gracefully as they age and can be up to 12 inches (30 cm)[7] long by 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The genus name Adiantum comes from the Greek word "adiantos", meaning "unwetted" (in reference to the leaves).[5]

Adiantum raddianum

Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Family: Pteridaceae
Genus: Adiantum
Species:
A. raddianum
Binomial name
Adiantum raddianum
Synonyms[2]
List
    • Adiantum aemulum T.Moore
    • Adiantum baenitzii Rosenst.
    • Adiantum cuneatum Langsd. & Fisch.
    • Adiantum cuneatum f. elongatum Rosenst.
    • Adiantum cuneatum var. majus Baker
    • Adiantum cuneatum var. subintegrum Hieron.
    • Adiantum cuneatum f. typicum Hieron.
    • Adiantum cuneatum var. vastum Rosenst.
    • Adiantum cuneipinnulum N.C.Nair & S.R.Ghosh
    • Adiantum cyclosorum T.Moore
    • Adiantum decorum T.Moore
    • Adiantum mexicanum C.Presl
    • Adiantum rubellum T.Moore
    • Adiantum weigandii T.Moore
    • Adiantum werckleanum Christ

This plant is hardy down to 5 °C (41 °F), so must be grown indoors in temperate regions. However it may be placed outside in a sheltered spot during the summer months.[8] It requires high humidity, well-drained soil, bright indirect light, and a fairly constant temperature.[3] It prefers neutral or slightly alkaline soil and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.[9] It can be susceptible to scale and mealybug.[4] The cultivars ‘Brilliantelse’ and ‘Kensington Gem’ have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[8][10]

A. raddianum is sometimes considered invasive in Hawaii and French Polynesia.[6]

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References

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  1. ^ "NatureServe Explorer". Retrieved 2021-03-31.
  2. ^ "Adiantum raddianum C.Presl". Plants of the World Online. Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2017. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
  3. ^ a b Adiantum raddianum, Missouri Botanical Garden.
  4. ^ a b "Delta Maidenhair Fern - Adiantum Raddianum - Indoor Care And Description". www.houseplantsexpert.com. Retrieved 2021-03-31.
  5. ^ a b "Maidenhair Fern: How To Grow and Care For Adiantum Raddianum". Plant Care Today. 2020-05-17. Retrieved 2021-03-31.
  6. ^ a b "Adiantum raddianum (delta maidenhair fern)". CABI Invasive Species Compendium. November 20, 2019. Archived from the original on 2015-03-02. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  7. ^ Adiantum raddianum, NC Cooperative Extension.
  8. ^ a b "Adiantum raddianum". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  9. ^ "Adiantum raddianum (Delta Maidenhair)". Gardenia.net. Retrieved 2021-03-31.
  10. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). RHS. 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
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