Mairis's Maidenhair is a sterile, artificial hybrid between Adiantum capillus-veneris and a tropical maidenhair, either A. raddianum or A. aethiopicum in the Ribbon-fern family (Pteridaceae). It grows in partial, dappled, or deep shade and in organic, loamy, or sandy soil. The fern likes moisture and good drainage. It grows about 1 to 1.5 feet high by 1.5 to 3 feet wide in a mounding form. It has bright green, lacy fronds that provide year-round interest. It is hardier than either parent. This perennial fern works well in a woodland or shade garden, or even in containers. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No significant diseases or pests. The Florida Fern Caterpillar can be a problem. VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington , Director of JC Raulston Arboretum . More information on Adiantum .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.