Adiantum diaphanum

Botanical name: Adiantum diaphanum

Common name(s): Tuberous maidenhair, Small maidenhair, Filmy maidenhair fern

Plant facts:

A delicate small native maidenhair fern with finely divided dark green fronds and glossy wiry stems. This species is distinguished by its tiny underground tubers, which help it survive dry conditions. Its soft textured foliage and compact habit make it an attractive fern for shaded gardens and container growing.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland forest, clay banks, shaded rock overhangs, rubble slopes and rocky stream margins.

Growing environment:

Shade tolerant, Damp soil loving, Humus loving & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Indigenous to New Zealand including the Kermadec Islands, North Island, South Island and Chatham Islands. Also naturally occurs through Asia, Australia and the Pacific.

Height:

Up to 36 cm tall

Foliage:

Soft dark green finely divided fronds carried on slender glossy dark stems.

Uses:

• Fernery and shade gardens
• Terrariums
• Indoor container growing
• Damp rock gardens
• Woodland underplanting
• Decorative foliage feature

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A small tufted terrestrial fern forming compact clumps from short upright rhizomes.

Fronds:
Fronds are finely divided and airy with small wedge-shaped or rectangular leaflets. The foliage is dark green above and paler beneath.

Roots:
Distinctive small tubers form on the roots and rootlets, helping the fern persist through periods of dryness.

Spores:
Spores develop beneath the leaflet margins within small rounded protective flaps.

How to grow:

Prefers moist, humus-rich, free-draining soil in partial to full shade. Thrives in sheltered humid conditions with consistent moisture but tolerates short dry periods due to its tuberous roots. Ideal for shaded pots, terrariums and damp woodland gardens. Can be propagated by division or fresh spores.