Here’s what plant experts say you need to know to keep these choosy beauties alive and well. The genus name Adiantum is actually derived from the Greek word adiantos, or “unwetted,” because these ferns’ leaves repel water, explains Maria Failla, the host of the Bloom & Grow Radio podcast, and therefore need to frequently replenish water supplies to stay healthy. “Drainage holes are also important with ferns because they like moist soil but not soggy soil,” she adds, “so it’s important for the water to be able to drain out the bottom of the pot during the frequent waterings.” If your pot doesn’t come with a drainage hole, here’s how to create one. To further boost humidity, you can place your fern next to other greenery (plants naturally emit humidity when next to other plants!), next to a humidifier, inside an enclosed glass cloche or terrarium, or even in your bathroom. “If you have natural light, it will love the moisture given off by your showers and baths every day,” says Failla. This need for constant monitoring makes the Maidenhair a prime candidate for a self-watering pot. You can buy one online or from a local plant shop, or make your own using a cup of water and a piece of string. “Place the cup of water near the fern, run the string from the cup of water and tuck it into the soil of the plant,” says Failla. “The moisture from the string will help keep your soil moist. This is also a great hack for when you need to travel and leave your plants alone!” Be sure to dilute your fertilizer in enough water since too many nutrients at once can cause the Maidenhair’s leaves to brown. Check out our full guide to repotting here, or follow along with the quick process below: Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,000 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes. She’s spoken about the intersection of self-care and sustainability on podcasts and live events alongside environmental thought leaders like Marci Zaroff, Gay Browne, and Summer Rayne Oakes.
