Delta maidenhair fern Adiantum raddianum
Delta maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Pteridaceae family, native to Tropical America, from Mexico to Argentina. It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants shade and high water, and is hardy to about 7 °C (45 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Delta maidenhair fern in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Delta maidenhair fern at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pteridaceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 7 °C (45 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical America, from Mexico to Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Delta maidenhair fern toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous to cats or dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Delta maidenhair fern
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and high water.
Questions about Delta maidenhair fern
- How far apart should I plant Delta maidenhair fern?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Delta maidenhair fern need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Delta maidenhair fern need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Delta maidenhair fern?
- It tolerates about 7 °C (45 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- Is Delta maidenhair fern poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous to cats or dogs.
- What grows well with Delta maidenhair fern?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Delta maidenhair fern. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Black, wiry stems carrying clouds of tiny fan-shaped, bright green leaflets. Must never dry out, and likes humid air: a classic for bathrooms, terrariums and moist shady corners of tropical gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Lamb's ear Stachys byzantina
- Stonecrop (sedum) Hylotelephium spectabile
- Sweet woodruff Galium odoratum
- Lady's mantle Alchemilla mollis
- Lungwort (pulmonaria) Pulmonaria officinalis