The genus Adiantum is one of those that includes the Ferns. These are much appreciated as indoor plants, but the Adiantum often requires care that we often neglect.
That's why, if you want have a fern of this genus and know its care so that it is always in good condition, we will detail everything below.
How is the Adiantum
Inside the Adiantum you can find a large group of fern plants. I know They are characterized by not having flowers, nor fruits or seeds. In total, there are more than 7500 different species.
At first, the researchers did not know how a plant without flowers, fruits, or seeds could multiply. It was not until 1850 when a German bookseller looked at the underside of leaves and found spores. And it is through them that these ferns multiply.
Adiantum species
As we have told you before, there are many species within this genus, but there are some that, due to their popularity, stand out from others. These are:
- Adiantum capillus veneris. By this name it is not usually known, but it is known as Maidenhair. It is the most common and at the same time attractive. And it is that the stems are black and the leaves are not too big and with an original shape.
- Adiantum raddianum. It is very similar to the previous one, only that its bearing is much more robust.
- tenerum. In this case the leaves are larger and have a somewhat inclined or wavy bearing.
- Adiantum polyphyllum. Of all the species, this is the one that has leaves over a meter long.
Adiantum: important care
If you want to have an Adiantum, or you have just realized that you have one at home and you want to know what care it needs, here is the most important thing you should know.
Lighting design
The Adiantum is a plant that doesn't need a lot of light. In fact, the dark greenish color of its leaves is achieved with a lack of light, so if you see its hue fade, it means you should place it elsewhere.
In their natural habitat, they are in shady places and that is where you should put it. That is why it is considered one of the ideal plants for houses where there is not much light, because for them it is their ideal environment.
Temperature
To get it right, you need to the temperature is maintained at an average of 18 degrees centigrade.
He doesn't like drafts or drastic drops in temperature, which is why he feels so good indoors.
Location
really the adiantum you don't need a specific location. But it is true that when you see that it is well established in one place, it is not convenient to change it because that place has the ideal microclimate and, if you move it to another place, you can stress it and cause it to lose its leaves.
Earth
This genus has plants that are very fast growing, so the soil it needs must have plenty of nutrients. In addition, it must have drainage. The most suitable mix? I bet you three parts peat, one part compost (always on base) and two parts of coarse sand.
In this way you will ensure that there are no accumulations of water inside and that it penetrates properly.
Irrigation
Watering is one of the most important Adiantum care. And it is not a plant that requires a lot of water, but it does require humidity.
Does not like a dry environment at all, nor hot, which is why you will have to put a small plate with pebbles under it, and water, so that they make the humidity that the plant needs.
As for the land, it is important that always be somewhat moist, but not waterlogged. When it comes to watering it, it is better to do it by capillarity, that is, putting the entire pot in a bucket of warm water and not removing it until it stops making bubbles. This means that in winter you only have to water it once a month (or more, depending on the humidity) and in summer once (or more) a week if it's too hot; or one or two weeks if not.
In this case, the humidity and the fact that it sits in a humid environment are more important than the irrigation itself.
Fertilizer
She is very grateful to the subscriber. This should be done in spring and summer, twice a month.
The best is the liquid and if possible that has macroelements and microelements for a proper balance in the plant.
Pruning
In the Adiantum genus, pruning does not exist. But it is true that you will have to remove dry leaves or leaves that pose a problem for the plant (or for the location you are in.
It is important that the scissors you use are disinfected as it can easily become infected.
Plagues and diseases
The most common have to do with cochineal and with fungi (these due to excess water).
But they can also appear plant problems. For example: uterine
- That the edges of the leaves dry: due to a lack of moisture.
- Leaf fall: due to dehydration, that is, it needs more water.
- The leaves are wrinkled and the edges are dry: it needs water and humidity.
- That the leaves are pale: it can be for two reasons, either because it is receiving too much light, or because it needs fertilizer.
- Leaves with brown spots: they usually occur because it gives them too much light and causes burns.
Multiplication
The reproduction of the Adiantum is not the easiest care, but fortunately you have a simple method and a difficult one.
The single is for plant division. That is, when you go to transplant it, divide the plant into two or more parts, always ensuring that each one has at least two buds.
The complicated method is done through the spores, but it doesn't work too well. Still, if you want to try, you have to wait for spring, and pick one or two leaves full of spores. You must scratch them on a piece of paper to reserve them.
On the other hand, in a seedbed or little box, you put a bit of moor land and peat to spread the spores of the leaf on it. The next step would be to cover the seedbed with plastic wrap (making some holes for it to breathe). Take the seedbed to a dark place with a constant temperature of 21-23 degrees.
You must ensure that the soil is always moist and open the film every day so that the condensation water is eliminated. In about 2-3 months the first plants should come out, when you can take them to a slightly sunnier place and remove the film.
Are the care of the Adiantum clear to you?