Adiantum hispidulum aka Rough Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum hispidulum is known as rough or rosy maidenhair fern. It belongs to the Pteridaceae family. Its native range spans Ethiopia south to Limpopo and the western Indian Ocean. It also extends through tropical and subtropical Asia to the western Pacific. This perennial fern grows in wet tropical regions. Its habitats include shaded rainforest and open, rocky sites.

The plant forms a clump of arching fronds. Garden plants reach about 1–1.5 feet [0.3–0.46 metres] tall and wide. RHS gives an upper size of about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Short, wiry rhizomes creep through the soil and form small colonies. The fronds can reach about 1.2 feet [0.36 metres] long. They are bipinnate to tripinnate, with small, rough leaf segments. These range from oblong to fan-shaped. Black midribs contrast with the closely packed, leathery segments. New fronds emerge pink, then turn bronze and dark green.

The fronds often die back in cooler conditions. They can stay green in warm places or indoors. This fern has no flowers. It reproduces through spores rather than fruit. Sori appear along the lower edges of leaf segments in summer. Each segment can carry six to fourteen sori. Gardeners can raise new plants from spores or divide established clumps. Remove damaged fronds in spring.

Grow it in fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Keep the soil moist, but let excess water drain away. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils, including loam and clay. A sheltered spot with filtered light suits it best. It tolerates deep shade, though too little light weakens growth. Direct sun can scorch the fronds. Indoors, place it near a bright window, beyond direct sun. Water evenly and never let the soil dry out. Misting can help raise humidity around the foliage. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 8–10; RHS rates it H4. Sheltered, mulched plants may survive in USDA zone 7.

Use it beneath shrubs, in woodland gardens, or in shaded borders. It also suits patio pots, hanging baskets, and indoor containers. Neither source reports major disease trouble. Outdoor plants tend to have few pests. Watch for aphids, mealybugs, and scale, especially under glass. Soggy soil can cause rhizome rot. Dry soil can make the fronds die back fast.