Genus guide
Adiantum — 31 species
Part of the Ferns family (Polypodiopsida)
Adiantum, the maidenhair ferns, are delicate, fan-frond beauties found from the tropics to temperate woodlands. Species range from compact Delta maidenhair (A. raddianum) to the stately Giant Maidenhair (A. formosum). All demand bright indirect light, consistently moist (never waterlogged) soil, and high humidity — a bathroom windowsill or pebble-tray setup suits them well. Toxicity varies across the genus: some species are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA while others lack confirmed safety data, so check each species individually before purchasing for a pet-owning household.
All Adiantum species we cover
- Adiantum venustum
- Barbados Maidenhair Fern
- Brilliantelse Maidenhair Fern
- Brittle Maidenhair Fern
- Broad Maidenhair Fern
- California Maidenhair Fern
- Common Maidenhair Fern
- Crescent-Leaved Maidenhair Fern
- Diamond Maidenhair Fern
- Filmy Maidenhair Fern
- Fragrans Maidenhair Fern
- Fragrant Maidenhair Fern
- Fritz Luth Maidenhair Fern
- Fritz Luth Maidenhair Fern
- Giant Maidenhair Fern
- Graceful Maidenhair Fern
- Imbricate Maidenhair Fern
- Kidney Maidenhair Fern
- Large-leaved Maidenhair Fern
- Maidenhair fern
- Miss Sharples Maidenhair Fern
- Northern Maidenhair Fern
- Pacific Maid Maidenhair Fern
- Poiret's Maidenhair Fern
- Rosy Maidenhair Fern
- Silver Dollar Maidenhair Fern
- Slender Maidenhair Fern
- Southern Maidenhair Fern
- Trailing Maidenhair Fern
- Venus Maidenhair Fern
- Western Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum — frequently asked questions
Are Adiantum plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Adiantum are pet-safe. Of the 31 Adiantum species we cover, 30 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 1 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Adiantum plants need?
Most Adiantum do best in medium indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Adiantum easy to care for?
Many Adiantum are beginner-friendly — they tolerate lower light and forgiving watering. Water to how fast the pot actually dries rather than a fixed calendar and most will thrive.
How many Adiantum varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 31 Adiantum species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Adiantum, the rest follow closely.
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