Adiantum hispidulum

Botanical name: Adiantum hispidulum

Common name(s): Rosy maidenhair fern, Rough maidenhair fern, Five-finger jack

Plant facts:

A hardy and adaptable maidenhair fern recognised for its dark wiry stems, finely divided foliage and striking pink-red new growth. As the fronds mature they deepen to dark olive green, creating an attractive contrast. This species is tougher and more sun tolerant than many other maidenhair ferns, making it one of the easier species to cultivate.

Natural habitat:

Moist forest floors, rocky outcrops, stream margins, shaded banks and open forest environments.

Growing environment:

Shade tolerant, Semi-sun tolerant, Damp soil loving & Free draining tolerant.

Distribution:

Indigenous to New Zealand and widespread through Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Height:

15–45 cm tall

Foliage:

Soft finely divided fronds emerging pink to reddish before maturing dark olive green.

Uses:

• Indoor fern plantings
• Terrariums and ferneries
• Woodland and shaded gardens
• Hanging baskets
• Damp rock gardens
• Decorative foliage feature

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A tufted fern with clustered fronds arising from short creeping rhizomes.

Fronds:
The fronds are fan-shaped and finely divided into numerous small rectangular to diamond-shaped leaflets. Young growth is often flushed pink or red.

Stems:
Glossy very dark brown to black stems support the delicate foliage and are lightly hairy when young.

Texture:
Unlike smoother maidenhair species, the stems and leaf axes have a rough hairy texture, giving rise to the name “rough maidenhair.”

How to grow:

Thrives in moist well-drained soil with partial shade or filtered light. More tolerant of sun and occasional drying than most maidenhair ferns, though best growth occurs with regular moisture and humidity. Excellent for pots, indoor growing, shaded garden beds and sheltered outdoor plantings. Easily propagated by division or spores.