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It is not a very hardy fern, and for a couple of years now it has been forced to take its chances in a cold greenhouse.
It suffers in the winter, but it perks up in the summer and manages to produce a few stray sporelings
like this one every year. Indiana University Bloomington says: "The graceful fronds of this maidenhair fern are known to repel water from the leaf surface—hence the botanical name Adiantum, derived from the Greek word adiantos meaning "unwetted."" Sue Olsen says: "The species and its various cultivars are found throughout tropical and semi-tropical areas primarily in the Southern Hemisphere." iNaturalist says: "Adiantum raddianum, the Delta maidenhair fern, is one of the most popular ferns to grow indoors. It is native to South America and its common name comes from its shiny, dark leafstalks that resemble human hair. It typically grows about 17–19 in (43–48 cm) tall and up to 22 in (56 cm) wide. In the wild, it is found on forest floors, rock crevices, river banks, coastal cliffs, and basalt banks along trails and streams. The triangular fronds are semi-erect in the beginning then droop gracefully as they age and can be up to 12 inches (30 cm) long by 6 inches (15 cm) wide. The genus name Adiantum comes from the Greek word "adiantos", meaning "unwetted" (in reference to the leaves). This plant is hardy down to 5 °C (41 °F), so must be grown indoors in temperate regions. However it may be placed outside in a sheltered spot during the summer months. It requires high humidity, well-drained soil, bright indirect light, and a fairly constant temperature. It prefers neutral or slightly alkaline soil and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. It can be susceptible to scale and mealybug. " |
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| 3rd November 2011 | ||