How to grow maidenhair fern? Learn the correct care methods

Maidenhair fern (Adiantum) belongs to the Adiantaceae family and is a perennial herb, 0.1-0.6 m tall. Because its stems are slender and resemble iron wire in color, it is called maidenhair fern. Maidenhair fern is also an indicator of calcareous soil. Because it fears dryness and strong light, it must be placed in a spot without direct sunlight for care.

I. How to grow maidenhair fern

Maidenhair fern likes a warm, humid and semi-shaded environment. The suitable growing temperature is 21-25°C during the day and 12-15°C at night. In winter it should be moved into a greenhouse; at temperatures above 5°C the leaves can still remain fresh and green, but below 5°C the leaves will suffer frost damage. It likes bright scattered light and fears direct sunlight. In summer it can be appropriately shaded; long periods of strong direct light will cause most of the leaves to turn yellow and wither. Indoors it should be placed in a bright spot; even if placed there for 1 year it can still grow normally.

Maidenhair fern likes a humid environment. During the peak growing season it should be watered thoroughly; in addition to keeping the potting soil moist, attention should also be paid to relatively high air humidity, and when the air is dry, water should be sprinkled around the plant. Especially in summer, it should be watered 1-2 times a day; if it lacks water, the leaves will shrivel. When watering, avoid the potting soil alternating between dry and wet, which easily turns the leaves yellow. Apply dilute liquid fertilizer 2-3 times a month; when fertilizing, do not stain the leaf surface, so as to avoid causing leaf rot. Because of the maidenhair fern's calcium-loving habit, an appropriate amount of lime and crushed eggshells should be added to the potting soil, and frequently applying calcium fertilizer will give even better results. In winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing.

II. Propagation methods of maidenhair fern

1. Division propagation

Maidenhair fern is often propagated in spring when repotting. Lift the mother plant out of the pot, separate the rhizomes, remove the aged rhizomes, trim the root system, and cut off dead branches and broken branches. It can be potted directly and temporarily placed in a semi-shaded spot, protected from dry wind, sprayed with water appropriately to maintain relatively high air humidity, and once new branches grow it can be enjoyed.

2. Spore propagation

Use sterilized peat and brick crumbs as a mixed substrate; after filling the pot, evenly scatter the mature spores of the maidenhair fern into it. The suitable germination temperature is 20-25°C. Germination takes about 30-40 days, and from sowing to the sporophyte growing true leaves takes 60-70 days.

III. Household effects of maidenhair fern

Maidenhair fern can absorb about 20 micrograms of formaldehyde per hour, so some people compare the maidenhair fern to the most effective biological "purifier." Its own powerful air-purifying effect plays an important role in improving the home environment. Therefore, people who deal with paint and coatings all day long, or who have smokers around them, should place at least one fern plant in the workplace. In addition, maidenhair fern can also inhibit xylene and toluene released from computer monitors and printers.

Plants arranged in a study should help enhance a quiet and elegant atmosphere. You can choose famous flowers and precious herbs admired since ancient times, such as plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum, and you can also choose some fresh and elegant plants to regulate the nervous system, eliminate fatigue caused by work and study, and complement the rich scholarly atmosphere. For example, decorating the desk with a few graceful and elegant maidenhair ferns is a relatively ideal choice.

Bathrooms have high humidity and heavy stale air, and green plants can absorb humidity and stale air. Therefore, placing suitable plants in the bathroom helps remove moisture and drive away stale air. Plants for the bathroom can be shade- and moisture-tolerant, with soft leaves and no hairs or thorns, such as maidenhair fern, evergreen, weeping fig and radiator plant.

Through the above introduction, we understand that this relatively slender plant is quite suitable for placing in the bedroom and on the balcony. Chinese-style decoration is quite suitable for growing this delicate flowers and plants, and it pairs very well with other things. It is not only fresh but also healthy, and green and environmentally friendly.