Delta Maidenhair-fern (Adiantum raddianum) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Delta maidenhair-fern is a fern native to tropical America, with small leaflets on thin, black stems. In the United States, it is usually grown as a houseplant.

Appearance

Appearance: Wiry black stems carry many small, somewhat triangular leaflets. A plant often grows about 1–2 ft (0.3–0.6 m) tall and wide.

Look-alikes

Northern maidenhair fernAdiantum pedatum

Northern maidenhair fern spreads its branches in a fan around the top of the stem. Delta maidenhair-fern has a more triangular, finely divided frond; use the whole frond in a photo, since the small leaflets alone can be misleading.

Why they get mixed upBoth have delicate green leaflets on dark, wiry stems.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: houseplants
humid indoor spaces
moist Hawaiian banks
Range: It is native to tropical America. In Hawaii, it grows outside on damp rock and soil beside trails and streams.
Preferred conditions: It grows best in partial shade with moist soil and humid air.

Life cycle

Reproduction: It has no flowers or fruits. Tiny develop near the curled edges of the leaflets, and clumps can also be divided.

Growing it

Care: Keep it away from strong direct sun and do not let the root area dry completely.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: The white-flecked ‘Variegatum’ is a cultivar.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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