Canary Flora > Wild species
Adiantum hispidulum
Adiantum hispidulum Sw.
Familia
ADIANTACEAE
Commonly known as the pink maidenhair fern, ruby maidenhair fern or rough-leaved maidenhair fern, it is a small, evergreen fern of the Pteridaceae family. It is particularly notable because its new fronds emerge with a highly decorative pink, reddish or bronze hue before maturing into a glossy dark green.
It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and is highly prized in indoor gardening for its elegant, feathery foliage and slender, dark stems. The term ‘hispidulum’ comes from Latin and means ‘finely hairy’, referring to the minute hairs on its rachises and petioles.
Although ferns of the genus Adiantum are reputed to be fussy, this species is slightly more drought-tolerant than other traditional maiden ferns if established correctly.
It requires bright indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight will easily scorch its leaves. A spot near north- or east-facing windows is ideal.
Keep the potting mix consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, which causes the roots to rot. It is best to water it by capillary action (from below) using lukewarm, lime-free water. Reduce the frequency slightly in winter.
It requires high humidity. Place it in naturally humid rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen, group it with other plants, or use a humidifier. Avoid draughts and direct heating at all costs.
Tenerife, Gran Canaria
Commonly known as the pink maidenhair fern, ruby maidenhair fern or rough-leaved maidenhair fern, it is a small, evergreen fern of the Pteridaceae family. It is particularly notable because its new fronds emerge with a highly decorative pink, reddish or bronze hue before maturing into a glossy dark green.
It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and is highly prized in indoor gardening for its elegant, feathery foliage and slender, dark stems. The term ‘hispidulum’ comes from Latin and means ‘finely hairy’, referring to the minute hairs on its rachises and petioles.
Although ferns of the genus Adiantum are reputed to be fussy, this species is slightly more drought-tolerant than other traditional maiden ferns if established correctly.
It requires bright indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight will easily scorch its leaves. A spot near north- or east-facing windows is ideal.
Keep the potting mix consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, which causes the roots to rot. It is best to water it by capillary action (from below) using lukewarm, lime-free water. Reduce the frequency slightly in winter.
It requires high humidity. Place it in naturally humid rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen, group it with other plants, or use a humidifier. Avoid draughts and direct heating at all costs.
Tenerife, Gran Canaria
