Brittle Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum tenerum)

Quick Facts

• Type: fern
• Size: 1-3 ft tall
• Sun: shade
• Water: high
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich soils
• USDA zones: 10-11

Larger, bolder maidenhair with cascading fronds; pure tropics.

Strictly for frost-free south Florida shade gardens; protect from any chill.

In the Landscape

A lacy South Florida specialty for shaded courtyards, atrium plantings, and moist grotto walls. More heat-tolerant than its northern cousin.

Care & Propagation

Plant in spring in full shade with constant moisture and humidity. It sulks below freezing, so North Florida gardeners should grow it in containers. Never let the root zone dry out.

Divide rhizomes in spring, keeping everything damp during the process. It establishes faster from divisions than from spores.

Wildlife Value

Colonies in moist shade harbor tiny tree frogs and moisture-dependent insects. The fine fronds give cover to small beneficial predators.

🌱 Fun fact: 'Brittle' maidenhair earned its name honestly — the fronds snap at a touch. But the rhizomes are tough, and a crushed-looking plant usually bounces right back.

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🌴 In Florida

Strictly for frost-free south Florida shade gardens; protect from any chill.

🌿 Keep exploring

More Florida natives worth meeting:

• Broad beech fern (Phegopteris hexagonoptera)
• Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
• Cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)