The maidenhair fern is a popular houseplant that receives a large number of names according to different areas of the world. Some of them are plant hair of Venus, culandrillo, well maidenhair, capilera, brenca, grass of the sources or arañuela, although its scientific name is Adiantum capillus veneris.
If you want to learn more about this fern, very popular as an ornamental plant, join us in this EcologíaVerde article on the maidenhair carebecause you will find a very useful practical guide to keep this plant in good condition in your home.
Maidenhair Characteristics
It is a native species both in western and southern Europe and in tropical America, where we can often find it attached to walls or walls of caves, as well as next to streams, in usually semi-shaded and humid areas.
Another of the maidenhair characteristics is that, usually, it does not exceed the 40cm tall, being the common thing that it stays in a smaller size than this, one of the reasons why it is highly appreciated as an indoor plant.
Climate, light and location of the maidenhair
This fern receives its popular name of spring grass due to its natural disposition to be found near these and streams. Therefore, it is easy to conclude that it is a plant that needs a somewhat cool climate, abundant moisture and be protected from direct sunlight.
Thus, the maidenhair has its ideal temperature around between 15ºC and 20ºCalthough it can withstand minimum temperatures of up to 5 ºC and even occasional slight frosts.
Although it tends to be used as an indoor plant, the truth is that the hair of Venus can be planted outdoors without any problem, as long as we look for a location sheltered from direct sun, although it is important to keep in mind that its roots spread very easily, expanding the plant a lot. Indoors, it will suffice to place the pot in a bright room but away from windows and other light sources, or cover these with curtains that screen it to protect the fern.
Maidenhair irrigation
If protecting it from direct light is one of the bases of caring for this plant, maintaining a humid environment for it is undoubtedly the other. The maidenhair needs constant humidity, so you have to water the substrate very often to keep it continuously moist.
Because of this, many recommend the capillarity irrigation, which consists of immersing the pot in water, warm if possible, so that the soil absorbs all the moisture it needs. Of course, in these cases it is vital that the pot has drainage holesor the accumulated water could cause problems of root rot or drowning of the plant.
It is also necessary spray its leaves regularly so that the environment remains humid around it. In fact, it is very common to place maidenhair maidens in bright bathrooms, since the humidity of daily showers helps keep the plant in an optimal state, and frequent small splashes are very beneficial.
Substrate and fertilizer for maidenhair
This plant appreciates having a light substrate rich in organic matter, which holds moisture well. You can prepare your own mix by combining a part of peat, a part of coconut fiber and a part of earthworm humus, to which you must then add a handful of vermiculite and perlite to improve its water retention capacity. You will thus have a substrate that is very rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, as well as light, with good drainage and at the same time good moisture retention capacity.
As for the fertilizer, during the warm months it appreciates a contribution of common fertilizer or organic matter in the form of earthworm humus every 15 days, which will help it stay strong and green.
dry leaves on maidenhair
If you maidenhair has brown leaves most likely it is because the plant is receiving a excess light, especially if it occurs during the warm months. Venus hair does not tolerate direct sunlight, so you will need to place it in a more protected place or cover the window or light source with a curtain that mitigates it.
It can also be due to a lack of irrigation. The process of how to recover a dried maidenhair Go through the watering method mentioned above: soak the pot in warm water for five minutes, and then place it in a place with a mild temperature. In not many weeks it should start to regrow.
On the other hand, if the wilting of the leaves appears during the winter, it is probably due to the fact that the substrate or the soil does not offer sufficient drainage and the plant suffers from excess moisture. If this happens, remove the root ball from the pot and wrap its roots in absorbent paper. Prune the bad looking areas, replant it in a new substrate, or with a part of the old and a new contribution, and stop watering and spraying it for a season.
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