Adiantum (finely pubescent)

Family: Pteridaceae. A small plant with a creeping rhizome. Leaves forked twice- or thrice-pinnate, 15-22 cm long.

Segments broad-rhombic or rounded-obovate-triangular, pubescent on both sides, stiff. Petiole 15-35 cm long, brown, finely bristly-pubescent, rough. Sori horseshoe-shaped, located at the ends of the veins. Native range - the humid subtropics and tropics of the Old World.

Adiantums are among the most beautiful fern species with lacy light-green pinnately divided fronds on thin, wire-like stalks. In some species the leaflets are yellow-green, in others they have a pale red coloration. Adiantums are delicate plants and require more careful care than, for example, Nephrolepis. Fragile fronds should not be exposed to direct sunlight or to direct water.

The best place for an adiantum is not on the windowsill (only a north-facing windowsill is acceptable), but directly beside the window, behind a sheer curtain. Drainage in the pot must be very good. Adiantum does not tolerate cool rooms and drafts. Problems can arise if the plant is found to have disease or pests, because adiantums do not tolerate spraying with chemical plant protection products.

Temperature: During active growth the temperature should not exceed 20 °C, during the resting period - 15 °C. Does not tolerate drafts.

Light: Light partial shade and protection from direct sunlight both in winter and in summer. If an adiantum stands in too dark a spot its fronds become pale.

Watering: Watering should be regular, but in no case excessive. Watering can also be carried out by placing the pot with the plant into a container of water - the roots should never dry out. Water for watering should be well-settled, at room temperature and not hard.

Fertilizer: Adiantums respond poorly to high doses of fertilizers, therefore feedings are carried out from May to September only once a month with a complete mineral fertilizer, but only at half the dose recommended for feeding other house plants. Fertilizers should not contain lime.

Air humidity: Adiantums require humid air, around 60%. In dry air the plants can even die. Adiantum Raddi is best suited for growing in a terrarium. Other species are best placed on a wide tray filled with expanded clay or gravel. Water both the soil in the pot and pour water into the tray. If a central heating radiator is nearby, it should always be covered with a damp towel or sheet.

Repotting: This plant needs a loose soil with a slightly acidic reaction. Soil - 1 part leaf mould, 2 parts peat, 0.5 part humus soil and 1 part sand. Repotting annually. Does not tolerate repotting into a pot that is too large.

Propagation: Adiantums are propagated mainly by dividing old clumps.