Mexico Plants

Adiantum Tenerum Farleyense

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Plate 301

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Adiantum Tenerum Farleyense: Maidenhair fern

DESCRIPTION: There are many kinds of Adiantum, commonly called Maidenhair Ferns. Most of them are natives of tropical countries, but two are hardy and can be grown outside in the North. One hardy kind is A. pedatum, native of North America. Its graceful fronds grow 18 to 24 inches long. They flourish in shade and woodsy soil made by adding leaf mold and sand. This plant is great for clumping in cool, shady spots in the wild garden and rock garden. A. Capillus-Veneris is another fern that's hardy, it's found wild in North America, Europe and South America. The most popular tender kind is A. cuneatum (Delta Maidenhair Fern), native of Brazil. It has many beautiful varieties such as, elegantissimum, gracillimum, grande and Pocottii. They make suitable pot plants and the fronds are used for cutting. The young ones will droop quickly, so immerse them in water for 24 hours before use. Other kinds of Maidenhair Fern are A. macrophyllum, which has very large leaflets (pinnules) and A. tenerum Farleyense, which has large fronds on stalks, 18 to 24 inches long. The latter needs a warmer greenhouse than the others do; a minimum temperature of 60 degrees is necessary.