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Adiantum microphyllum



Sometimes plants arrive wrapped so completely in hope that it is difficult to see the plant underneath. To be fair, I bought a plug plant and it had a couple of leaves so it was reasonable.
The name is uncertain, Plants of the Wporld online treat it as a synonym of either . pyramidale or A. venustum. The RHS treat it as A. venustum 'Microphyllum' and say the name is unresolved.

Shady Plants say:

"Tender to semi-tender. A very beautiful small-leafed form of maidenhair fern originating from the Himalayas. It likes a well drained compost kept just moist. They like a humid atmosphere so a pebble tray set up is ideal as this species doesn't like misting too often.
Could be worth a try in very sheltered spots in very mild areas but much better as an indoor/conservatory/greenhouse or terrarium plant."

Longacre Plants say:

"Needs moist but well drained soil, has survived -5 *c overnight with us but must be considered tender. Pinnules small and delicate of pale yellow green. For a very sheltered spot or garden, or cold glasshouse."



30th July 2025



15th November 2025



References:
  • Grounds, Roger - 'Ferns' , Pelham Books, 1974
  • Hoshizaki, Barbara Joe and Moran, Robin C. - 'Fern Growers Manual', revised and expanded edition , Timber Press, 2001
  • Olsen, Sue - 'Encyclopedia of Garden Ferns' , Timber Press, 2007
  • Rickard, Martin - 'Gardening with Ferns' , David and Charles, 2005
  • Shady Plants, https://shadyplants.ie/product/adiantum-microphyllum-9cm , accessed 24.10.2026.
  • Plants of the World online, https://powo.science.kew.org/results?q=Adiantum%2Cmicrophyllum , accessed 24.10.2026.
  • RHS, https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/450/adiantum-venustum-microphyllum/details , accessed 24.10.2026.
  • Longacre Plants, https://www.plantsforshade.co.uk/acatalog/Adiantum.html , accessed 24.10.2026.