Fern
Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardAdiantum capillus-veneris
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$7.95
1 galFrom$12.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Shade, Full Shade
WaterModerate to high
Mature size1-2 feet × 1-2 feet
About Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris, southern maidenhair fern, is a delicate cosmopolitan fern with airy, fan-shaped leaflets on glossy black wiry stems, growing naturally on moist limestone outcroppings and shaded stream banks worldwide. Its exceptionally fine texture and graceful form make it one of the most elegant ferns for humid indoor and shaded garden settings. Starting at $7.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Alkaline, Moist, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Grow southern maidenhair fern in partial to full shade; avoid all direct sun, which will scorch the delicate fronds. It performs best in the consistently humid, shaded microclimates of Northeast Florida gardens.
Water
Keep soil consistently and evenly moist — maidenhair fern will not tolerate drying out. In NE-FL's sandy soils, water frequently and mulch heavily; consider a pebble humidity tray for potted specimens.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH — a natural fit for Florida's limestone-influenced soils. Fertilize lightly with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
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Common questions
Is Maidenhair Fern a good plant for St. Augustine?
Maidenhair Fern is a fern for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-2 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.