Maidenhair : beautiful decorative leaves

Adiantums are prized herbaceous plants with beautiful leaves. Many species thrive in gardens and as indoor plants. The "Ruddy," "Fragrance," and foot-shaped varieties grow well outdoors. The maidenhair fern is a favorite indoor choice. Many other varieties offer stunning foliage with simple care needs.


Adiantum, also known as maidenhair fern, is a fern-like plant in the Pteridaceae family. It includes about 200 species. Most adiantums come from South America and East Asia. They flourish in the tropical and subtropical climates there.

In the wild, two adiantum types grow in our country. These are Adiantum capillus veneris (maidenhair) and Adiantum pedatum (foot-shaped adiantum). Common traits of all adiantums include thin, creeping roots.

They are short, rarely over 60 cm. Their dissected, drooping leaves (fronds) sit on dark, shiny stems. Spores grow on the underside of the leaf blades.

A key trait of maidenhair leaves is their water-repellent nature. Water beads and rolls off without wetting the surface. The species differ in size and leaf shape and color. They can range from 5 to 50 cm long.

Colors vary from light green to red-brown. Their beauty has made them popular with plant breeders. New, decorative forms have been created.