Question
I am trying to keep my maidenhair with the right humidity to keep it happy now that it had to be moved indoors this winter.  I have been misting it, but will set up a pebble tray as the misting is not working out - fronds are still getting brown.  The major question I have is that I see no new growth coming up from the center of the plant.  There was much growth when I bought it several months ago.  Do you think I need to fertilize it, or is it not growing because of the low light it now has?  I can also move it under plant lights.  I am from Maryland and summers are very humid.

Answer
Janet,

I read your comments and hope you read my original answer thoroughly because I added several additional comments to the info from the other website. It is not growing because plants go dormant during this time of yeaar due to the shorter days. As the days get longer in the spring the plant  will start growing again if it survives.  Fronds getting brown  are due to lack of humidity and low light. To keep it growing during the winter you would need to keep it under a 2 light flourescent light fixture that is 12 -18 inches above the plant and on for 14 hours a day. That would put it back into a growth cycle when the days are longer than the nights.  Good luck.

Darlene




Janet,

Maidenhairs are very picky difficult ferns. They do not like changes in their environment. They like high humidity. Misting is worthless, when they dry out in an hour the air is still dry. You need them in a room with a humidifier in bright light. The following information came from another website but I added some notes.

The Maidenhair Fern does require more attention and care than your typical houseplants. The biggest challenge making the Maidenhair Fern somewhat difficult to care for is its requirement for a consistent environment. It will grow best in an area where temperatures and humidity levels remain the same. Therefore a bathroom is not a good place for the Maidenhair Fern. Along with the ferns need for a consistent environment it also does not like to be moved. So choose your home for this plant wisely.

Maidenhair ferns grow best in moderate light environments. However, limit the amount of direct sunlight your fern receives. Keep the light filtered to prevent the foliage from burning. It must sit in a location where your hand will make a shadow for at least 6 hours a day.

The Maidenhair Fern prefers to have its soil keep moist at all times, however not soggy. They also prefer higher humidity levels, however sometimes can be temperamental to misting. Therefore using a water tray below them to allow the humidity to rise up to the plant seems to work much better but keep the plant above the humidity tray in a drain tray so it is not sitting in the water. When you water it you should always empty the drain tray under it an hour later.

Another area to note with this ferns are when it produces seeds. The foliage will grow dark brown spots around the edges which is the ferns spore. The fronds that contain the spore typically don抰 last as long as the normal fronds, however if you do not like how the spore fronds look, you may cut them off without injuring your plant.

Common pests for this fern are aphids and mealy bugs. Both however can be controlled using a soapy dishwater spray or for more serious infestations, an insecticide should take care of the problem.

If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck!

Darlene