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Adiantum aethiopicum is the common maidenhair fern, a small fern with wiry, branched rhizomes and clumps of fronds 10 to 45 cm tall. It needs shade, steady moisture and a humid, draught-free spot to thrive.
Adiantum aethiopicum, also known as the common maidenhair fern, is a small fern of widespread distribution, occurring in Africa, Australia, Norfolk Island and New Zealand.
Adiantum aethiopicum was one of the many species first described by Linnaeus, in this case in his Systema naturae in 1759. The specific epithet aethiopicum in this sense was the Latin term for Africa south of the then known world, that is to say, more or less Africa south of Egypt.
Adiantum aethiopicum is a popular and well known ornamental plant. Propagation is from plant division or by spores. In cultivation the Maidenhair fern prefers a well-lit situation inside, but a shady place outdoors without draughts. It is suitable for terrariums and hanging baskets. It is fairly easy to grow, and will flourish in moist garden soil or potting mix.
Aleutian maidenhair · Common maidenhair · Adiantum formosum · Rough maidenhair · California maidenhair · Silver Dollar Maidenhair Fern · Delta maidenhair · Himalayan maidenhair fern · Maidenhair fern
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Adiantum aethiopicum by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.
The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
