Maidenhair Fern help needed.....

[Sheona]

I know its strictly not allotment stuff, but I'm struggling to keep my fern alive.... have tried it in 2 or 3 places within our flat but can't seem to find it somewhere it will thrive... Have only moved it 3 times in the year and a bit I've had it - bathroom for the humidity and heat, living room for the heat and bright light (not direct sunshine) and our bedroom for the peace and quiet (no disturbing currents of air, regular temp but not a lot of heating)... Any ideas anyone???

[Sheona]

[Derekthefox]

I gather these are not that easy to grow, and you may have made things more uncomfortable by moving it around.

http://www.greengold.com.au/greengold/CARENOTES/CARENOTES/adiantum.htm

[Sheona]

Thanks DTF..... Its looking a bit sorry for itself just now  :( It's been in our bedroom for the last 6 months or so and just keeps looking worse and worse.... I'm wondering if it's an idea to pop it in the greenhouse for spring and summer, give it a boost and get it looking nice and healthy??? I might also try cutting all the fronds off and starting again without moving it's location.... its also sitting on a large saucer with pebbles in a dish filled with water to provide humidity so I know thats not the problem.  Will keep plugging away with it for a while...

[Jesse]

Have you tried re-potting it? I grew lots of maidenhair ferns when I lived in a coutry with a much warmer climate, they liked it warm, very bright but as you say not direct light, and moist soil. I also found every few years they needed dividing and repotting otherwise they became pot bound and their growth halted. A gentle breeze didn't seem to do them any harm or ill effect. And they liked a humus rich soil. Good luck, they are beautiful when they grow well. :)

[Derekthefox]

Just a simple question, is the pot in the water, because it may be too wet ...

[Jesse]

I missed that bit, yes, the fern likes moist soil but not waterlogged.

[rosebud]

Sheona, try giving it a hair cut repotting it  little drink and a nice warm room stand the pot on a few pebbles they like humidity and NO draughts. That should be alright in a couple of weeks i hope . ;D

[Sheona]

Thanks rosebud.... Have cut off all the dying fronds, and made sure it's not in any draughts.  It's sitting in a saucer with pebbles so it wont get water logged, and in a bigger dish with water so plenty water for humidity.  It looks like there is plenty of new growth in at the crown so fingers crossed it'll come good.  :)