Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum raddianum
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Delicate, lacy fronds that demand constant moisture and humidity — it browns fast if it ever dries out. Keep it evenly damp, out of direct sun and away from draughts.
Toxicity
Safe
Not known to be toxic to cats.
Safe
Not known to be toxic to dogs.
Caution
Based on general horticultural consensus, not a pet-poison database.
Pet-safety information is a general guide from the ASPCA's toxic-plant database and covers cats and dogs only. "If eaten" summarises the symptoms ASPCA lists for that plant; how an animal actually reacts depends on how much it ate and on the animal. It isn't exhaustive, isn't veterinary advice, and individual animals vary — never rely on it as the sole basis for a decision about your pet. If you think your pet has eaten a harmful plant, contact a vet immediately.
Care
- WaterEvery 3–5 days
- LightBright, indirect
- HumidityHigh humidity
- Temperature16–24 °C
The same interval the Sabz app schedules reminders from. In autumn and winter the app stretches it; see houseplants in autumn.
Common problems
Maidenhair fern fronds crispy and brown
A maidenhair crisps the moment it dries out — even one missed watering in a warm room. It wants the compost lightly moist at all times, every three to five days in summer, and humidity around it. Cut the crisped fronds off at the base; the plant regrows from the crown if the roots are still alive.
Maidenhair fern collapsed
A whole plant collapsed and brown is one that dried out, and it looks dead but usually is not. Cut every frond off at the base, soak the pot thoroughly, keep it moist and out of direct sun, and new fronds appear from the crown within three to six weeks.
Maidenhair fern fronds pale and scorched
Pale, bleached, scorched fronds are direct sun — a maidenhair wants bright light but never the sun on it. Move it back from the window or behind a sheer curtain; a north or east window suits it. The scorched fronds will not recover; cut them and the new ones come in green.
Similar plants
- Staghorn Fern safePlatycerium bifurcatum
- Bird's Nest Fern safeAsplenium nidus
- Duffii Fern safeNephrolepis cordifolia
- Mother Fern safeAsplenium bulbiferum
In the app
Add a maidenhair fern to Sabz and the watering interval above becomes a reminder, the toxicity verdict sits on the plant's own page, and when a leaf turns, the Check-up reads what you have actually logged to say why.
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