Maidenhair ferns, or , make beautiful houseplants and are one of my personal favorites. They have a reputation for being tricky to look after, but don't let that put you off. With the right know-how, you can help yours thrive and keep its delicate leaves luscious and green.
Below, houseplant experts share all the essentials for caring for these , including key advice on their watering needs. There are also tips on propagating them, if you fancy expanding your collection for free. Keep these looking gorgeous in your home with the following advice.
, senior horticulturist at ScottsMiracle-Gro, says maidenhair ferns prefer their soil to be consistently moist, but not soggy. She recommends watering them thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels slightly dry, using distilled water or if possible, as these ferns are sensitive to the chemicals in tap water. 'They should always be watered with room-temperature water,' she adds.
, a resident botany expert at Plantum, highlights the importance of using a container with drainage holes at the bottom. 'This way, you'll avoid soggy soil and prevent ,' she says. of How To Grow Everything recommends investing in for these indoor plants.
'If their soil dries out even a little bit, their delicate fronds will die back seemingly overnight,' she warns. As well as moist soil, these plants thrive in humidity. This is why they do well in , as Amy highlights.
Diane found that keeping her maidenhair fern as a provided enough moisture in the air t.