Adiantum is an ornamental fern that belongs to the genus Adiantum and the Pteris family. It is rightfully considered one of the exquisite and delicate species of this genus. The natural habitat is the tropics. In our climatic conditions it is grown in greenhouses, botanical gardens, it is also possible to breed it at home. To indoor views include the following varieties of Adiantum:
- beautiful;
- wedge-shaped;
- small-haired;
- gentle;
- transparent;
- Adiantum Ruddy;
Exactly last view, most often grown at home. Adiantum capīllus veneris, got its name from its resemblance to women's hair. This is a perennial fern that has a small creeping root in narrow dark scales and thin stems with multiple small wedge-shaped leaves that cover the flower pot in a beautiful openwork pattern. Such leaves have a different name - "fronds", in the lower part of which spores are located. Venus hair grows up to forty centimeters in height and up to sixty in width. It is odorless and does not bloom.
Adiantum is a refined and delicate plant that perfectly decorates the interior of any room, as well as with great success used in floristry.
Adiantum venus hair perfectly adapted to growing at home. It perfectly withstands dry indoor air for some time during heating season and low temperature in the room. But still, in order to preserve his external data, growth and splendor, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for him.
Home care
In order for the fern to grow and develop, it is necessary to create proper conditions for it and ensure proper care.
Adiantum does not like bright light. Therefore, it must be positioned in such a way that a light diffused light falls on it. sunlight. It is also not recommended to place the flower in the shade, since its greenery still needs lighting and, if it is lacking, it will begin to lose its juicy color and fade. For Venus hair, window sills on the north and east sides and the walls opposite from the windows and cabinets placed near them are perfect.
As we have already said, the dry air in the room will survive for some time, but then it will begin to lose its leaves. Therefore, the adiantum needs proper care for its lush crown. Venus hair should be sprayed daily with warm settled water from a spray bottle.
To maintain humidity, you can use special pallets with expanded clay or wet peat, in which flower pots. Such care is required in the summer heat and during the heating season, when the air in the rooms is much dry. Venus hair does not tolerate heat, so in summer the optimum temperature for it is not higher than 22 degrees, but in winter it feels great even at +15. The main thing is to arrange it so that there are no drafts, since they are contraindicated for the fern.
In the mandatory care of the maidenhair, it is necessary to include keeping the room where it is located clean. The plant does not like dust, extraneous odors, especially tobacco smoke and burning, so it is not recommended to place it in the kitchen. Adiantum venus hair loves cleanliness and freshness, so the room must be aired daily and wet cleaning done twice a week.
The plant is planted at home in wide voluminous flowerpots, since it has powerful roots, and the surface crown branches beautifully and falls in a beautiful cascade over the sides of the pot. The soil can be used both purchased and independently prepared from the following components:
- Earth;
- peat;
- sand;
- charcoal.
In the prepared mixture, you need to add a little calcium. Such a soil will be quite loose and water, and air will be able to freely penetrate deep into the roots.
Proper care necessarily includes regular watering. Adiantum loves soft warm water(+16-+18), previously defended during the day. Excessive soil moisture is not welcome. It can cause leaf wilt and root rot. It is necessary to water when the top layer of the soil dries out, but at least once every seven days.
In spring and summer, the fern needs not only proper care, but also additional nutrients. At home, this need is filled by the introduction of mineral and organic fertilizers. Venus hair is fed twice a month with special nutrients that can be purchased at flower shops.
Adiantum at home needs an annual transplant, as it refers to fast growing plants with a powerful and well-developed root system.
It is necessary to transplant the fern in the spring, into a pot slightly larger than the previous one. The soil is used the same as during the first landing (see above). Transplantation must be done very carefully so as not to damage the fragile plant. It is recommended to do this by transferring from one pot to another.
With the advent of spring, venus hair requires special attention. A tender bush should be carefully examined, damaged or dried leaves should be removed, if there are many of them, then do not let this moment scare you. They need to be cut, and the plant should be watered and follow all the rules for the care described above, and soon many young stems will appear.
Reproduction at home
Adiantum venus hair reproduces in two ways:
- dividing the bush;
- disputes.
Fern can be propagated by dividing the bush only in spring. As a rule, this procedure is combined with an annual transplant. A well-developed bush is suitable for division, which is carefully divided into parts so that each of them has buds. The divided maidenhair is planted immediately in the prepared soil. But it should be noted that such seedlings require long and careful care, since they are quite capricious and a long period of time is needed for them to get stronger and take root.
At home, flower growers usually practice the reproduction of venus hair with the help of spores. They can be harvested from the mother plant or purchased. Spores are sown in the soil, which consists of two parts of sand, part of peat and earth. For germination of spores, a special container is used, which can be covered with a film or glass on top. Within a month, this is how much time is needed for shoots to appear, the container with spores must be kept indoors at a temperature of 20-22 degrees, be sure to water and ventilate daily. When shoots have appeared, they are opened from protective film and put into the light. Plants are transplanted when they reach at least two or three centimeters. At first, a small vase, no more than seven centimeters in diameter, will do. Then, as you grow, the pot must be selected commensurate with the size of the maidenhair.
Diseases of Adiantum. Fighting methods
Any indoor fern diseases are primarily associated with improper care and the appearance of pests.
With a lack of moisture, the leaves of Adiantum begin to wrinkle and become covered with brown spots.
Dry and dirty air in the room leads to the drying of the green crown. When the plant begins to react in this way, proper measures should be taken immediately. Check the soil, and if it is dry, water generously. Wipe the leaves with a damp sponge from dust and burning, spray and ventilate the room.
The pallor and lethargy of Adiantum indicates a lack of nutrients and too much light. Correcting this situation is simple, you need to remove the flowerpot in the shade and feed the flower.
The fern reacts to the cold by twisting its leaves.
As you can see, the plant gives us clues when something is not right in the conditions of detention. Therefore, knowing the basic nuances in caring for a home fern will provide it with the proper conditions.
Adiantum also suffers from flower pests in the face spider mite and aphids. In fairness, it is worth noting that they appear most often when the plant conditions are violated. Pests deplete the flower, and it dies. Therefore, when they are detected, the following control measures should be taken:
- bathe the fern in soapy water;
- treat with insecticides.
As you can see, the condition of indoor Adiantum, which is capable of all year round for many years to be the highlight of any interior.
Adiantum, maidenhair (lat. Adiantum) is a genus of ferns from the Pteris family, consisting of more than 200 plant species. The origin of the name is Greek and means "waterproof plant" (from the particle "a", meaning "not", and the word for wetting, moisturizing). And those who know about this plant can really argue that it always remains dry, no matter how humid it is around.
Surprisingly, the seemingly dry fern has its homeland in the tropics in the Andes. South America and East Asia. This plant likes to settle near rivers, waterfalls, where the ground on the rock is very wet.
The adiantum is mentioned in the writings of the great Roman historian Pliny the Elder, in whom this plant is found in the book Natural History. This is a fairly popular and common type of fern in greenhouse business. It is no less in demand among ordinary people who grow it as indoor plant. Adiantum is not only beautiful in appearance, but also useful, can be used in medicinal purposes which makes it doubly valuable.
Description of the plant maidenhair with photo
Adiantum: home care is simple
The maidenhair flower is a perennial herbaceous fern whose rhizome is thin and curved, covered on the outside with brownish-black scales. The arrangement of the leaves can be either alternate or opposite, the petioles are dark, shiny, covered with scales at the base. Their length is 25 centimeters.
The leaf itself is green, maybe with a grayish tinge. The plate is quite wide, smooth, dissected. The appearance of the segments may vary. There are trapezoid, wedge-shaped and obovate elements, which are fan-shaped on the petiole. On the veins on the lower side of most segments are sori with sporangia of a linear, round and oblong type.
Adiantum is also cultivated in open field. As a rule, this is a stop-shaped maidenhair. For growing in the room, they use “hair venus”, Ruddy's maidenhair, tender, transparent and other species.
Adiantum home care with photo
This fern, like others, does not like being in the sun. It must be grown in partial shade, which means that the most good place for the plant there will be a northern or eastern window sill or a place in the back of the room. Otherwise, the death of green leaves will be observed.
- The maidenhair fern does not tolerate completely enclosed spaces, as it needs fresh air.
- At the same time, you should not arrange a draft, otherwise your pet will die.
- You should prevent the accumulation of dust in the room, so you need to regularly clean the room with a damp cloth, and also often ventilate the house.
Venus hair is adversely affected by the presence of any caustic substances in the air. And this means that it does not tolerate tobacco smoke, and it will also grow poorly in the kitchen. In order for the maidenhair fern to develop well, it needs to provide optimal room temperature, which will not be more than 22 ºC and 15 ºC in winter respectively.
- A fern pot should always stand in one place, as it does not tolerate movement.
- To improve the condition of the plant in the summer, it is actively sprayed every day with warm water.
- In winter, such procedures are not practiced, as this can adversely affect development.
In the spring and summer, a planned feeding of the maidenhair with liquid fertilizers is carried out, reducing the concentration indicated in the instructions by half. Fertilizers are applied no more than once every three weeks, while excluding top dressing in winter.
For the fern to have a pleasant appearance, in the spring, yellow and affected leaves are pruned. This process will be beneficial for the plant, as it stimulates the formation of new leaves. As soon as the old greenery is removed, the maidenhair is abundantly watered and sprayed.
Watering the maidenhair
Adiantum photo care at home
One of the principles of successful cultivation of this fern is its frequent watering. It is necessary to ensure that the earthen ball never dries up, otherwise the death of individual leaves and sections of the rhizome will begin, and then the whole plant. In turn, excess moisture will start the process of rotting of the rhizome with roots, which will also lead to death.
What to do to avoid the death of a fern due to improper watering? To ensure normal moisture, the pot is placed in a container with warm water (separately separated warm water is prepared for this) so that the entire soil volume is saturated. Evidence of this is the wet sheen of the surface.
Then the fern pot is transferred to the washbasin so that water is glassed into it, the bottom is wiped and placed on the windowsill. Both in winter and summer they are watered in the same way, but in cold weather the amount of watering is halved.
Adiantum transplant
The plant is best grown in a small pot, as it prefers tight spaces. Venus hair fern is transplanted no more than once every three years and only when roots break through the drainage holes. In those seasons when transplanting is not planned, only the first 5-7 cm of soil are replaced.
- The pot for the maidenhair is selected wooden, spacious, you can also choose ceramic, not glazed. There must be sufficient drainage holes. This is due to the presence of a large root system.
Planting adiantum begins with the installation of drainage to the bottom in large quantities. Then fill up the pot loose soil. A special acidic mixture saturated with humus is selected. The following composition would be ideal: leafy earth and peat (1: 2). Part of the soil substrate is poured to the drainage layer, then it is placed in a new pot by the method of transshipment, adding the rest of the soil to it, making sure that there is no empty seats. At the same time, the soil is not particularly tamped, since a loose substrate will be optimal for the adiantum.
Adiantum diseases and the most common pests
Adiantum room
This fern has a natural chemical protection. Its leaves contain poisons that counteract the invasion of pests. But their own mechanisms do not always work, because a number of insects quickly get used to any means. In particular, scale insects, mealybugs, aphids and spider mites easily adapt to many poisons.
Antitlin, Fitoverm and Biotlin also remove mealybugs well. Aktara, Mospilan, Confidant and Confidor are also used to fight him. To eliminate the spider mite, Fitoverm and Actellik are used.
Fungal, viral and other diseases are not characteristic of the maidenhair, but sometimes the plant can lose its beautiful appearance due to improper care. For example, with insufficient watering, the edges of the leaves become dry and brown. And if the fern completely sheds greenery, you need to moisten the air by spraying and start doing this always, since the room is too dry. Burning out of the green part of the fern indicates an excess of light, so the pot needs to be moved to a darker place. If the leaves curl but do not turn brown, then the room is too cold and humid.
Useful properties of maidenhair
Adiantum flower photo and description
Fern greens contain the following biologically active compounds:
- flavonoids;
- steroids;
- triterpenoids;
- essential oils;
- phenolcarboxylic acids;
- lipids, etc.
Due to the rich composition, the maidenhair is actively used in medicine. Western Europe. On its basis, infusions, syrups, powders, extracts are made. So, the water extract of the fern has an antibacterial effect, and the syrup stimulates expectoration and reduces the temperature.
- Based on this, the maidenhair is actively used to combat diseases of the respiratory system, spleen, liver, and bladder.
- Externally, the juice of the plant is used in the form of lotions and compresses for animal bites (for detoxification), the presence of wounds that do not heal for a long time. ethnoscience also uses maidenhair to treat alcoholism.
The cosmetic use of the maidenhair is no less important. A decoction or juice is made from it, which is added to water. Using a similar hair rinse, you can get rid of dandruff and even cure some difficult-to-treat skin diseases.
Reproduction of the maidenhair
fern maidenhair
There are two types of reproduction of the maidenhair: division of the bush and reproduction by seeds (or spores). Let's consider them in more detail:
1. The division of the bush. This type of reproduction is carried out in the spring, when Venus hair is transplanted. He is freed from the old pot and divided sharp knife into several parts. Places of cuts are sprinkled with coal, after which each part of the rhizome is planted in a new pot. For transplantation, only that plant is selected that has many growth points, otherwise the maidenhair will die during transplantation.
You should not worry when the maidenhair does not show signs of growth for a long time after transplantation - this is normal. Before dividing the rhizome, the earth ball must be dry. When planting a new plant in the ground, make sure that the root neck is not deepened into the ground to avoid rotting greenery.
2.Reproduction by spores. Adiantum is successfully grown using spores. For their germination, a pot of small depth is selected, which is filled with a mixture of peat, sand and leafy soil in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. Before use, the substrate is doused with boiling water to disinfect it. As soon as after the procedure the earth acquires a normal temperature, seeds are planted on its surface, which are covered with glass.
- Germinate spores in a warm room. Adiantum will sprout faster if the pot is heated from below to 21 ºC. Germination period is 1-10 weeks.
As soon as small plants appear above the surface, the glass is removed, and the pot is placed in a bright place where direct sunlight does not fall. After a while, the seedlings dive. planting them 2-3 pieces in small pots with peat.
Types of adiantum
(Adiantum capillus veneris). This fern in open areas can be found in the Crimea, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Its favorite germination site is limestone soil close to a source of moisture. The plant is distinguished by thin black rhizomes, and it received such a name because of its characteristic leaves. They are very thin, light green, fan-shaped, located on a long 25 cm petiole. This is the most popular houseplant of the maidenhair.
Adiantum stopiform imbricatum Adiantum pedatum imbricatum
Adiantum stopiform(Adiantum pedatum). A beautiful and most graceful species of ferns. Lives in deciduous forests North America and East Asia. Some individuals of this grow up to 60 cm in height. The leafy part is flat, shiny, located on one side, light green in color. The leaves are pinnately dissected, with cuts on the sides, sitting horizontally on small thin petioles. This maidenhair survives even with severe frost(down to -35 ºC), so it can be planted in open soil.
The species is presented in the form of the following varieties:
- Compactum - small plant up to 35 cm high;
- Imbricatum - dwarf plant no more than 15 cm high;
- Japonikum - the most large variety adiantum, which is 45 cm high and 30 cm wide. Its young shoots have a copper-pink hue, which gradually changes to green as they grow older;
- Aleutikum is a small maidenhair 10 cm high and up to 20 cm wide. Ideal for growing in a pot, as it can withstand exposure to the sun.
Adiantum tender(Adiantum tenerum). It is also called pink maidenhair. This fern grows in the Antilles and the American tropics. The rhizome of the plant is creeping, short. The leaves are thrice-pinnate, with wedge-shaped bases and broadly lobed upper parts. The length of the leaves is 70 cm (excluding the petiole, which is another 30 cm long), and the width is 50 cm.
The following varieties are grown:
- Farleyens - has attractive curled leaves.
- Scutum Roseum is notable for its multi-colored young leaves that change in shades from pink to green.
Adiantum small-haired(Adiantum hispidulum). This is a representative of the African fauna that grows in the mountains on the border with snow. It is also found in Australia and New Zealand, India, Madagascar. The plant has a creeping rhizome and relatively small leaves (15-25 cm) of a palmate-dissected type, growing on long petioles (about 35 cm) with small bristles. Leaves of the second order are small (2x0.5 cm), covered with bristles, diamond-shaped. This is a very popular houseplant.
Adiantum Ruddy(Adiantum raddianum). It is also called wedge-shaped. Epiphytic plant from the Brazilian forests with huge leaves, which are 45 cm long and 25 cm wide. The leaves of this fern curve beautifully. They consist of dozens of small leaves sitting on black shiny petioles.
In indoor floriculture, the following varieties are used:
- Micropinnulum and Grasillium - have very small leaves, the normal existence of which requires high humidity in room. This can be achieved only in the florarium.
- Festum and Fritz Loot - these varieties are unpretentious, resistant to living in room conditions.
Adiantum tailed(Adiantum caudatum). The leaves of this fern are very long (about 60 cm), so an ampelous plant is made from it in indoor floriculture. have a brown color, the leaves at the ends have offspring. It is necessary to ensure that the earthen ball with this plant does not dry out, as it is very susceptible to this.
Adiantum beautiful(Adiantum formosum). Tall ferns, the bush of which reaches 1 m, but they have a fragile rhizome. The color of the roots is purple-black, the leaves are dark green, multi-pinnate, triangular-obovate.
Adiantum charming(Adiantum venustum). Native to Kashmir and Nepal. The length of the leaves is small, 20 cm. They are narrow, pointed. The color of the petioles is purple-black.
Adiantum wedge-shaped(Adiantum cuneatum). Similar to the beautiful maidenhair, but has other sori in shape. Grows in Southern Brazil.
Adiantum transparent(Adiantum diaphanum). Plant height 25-40 cm, pinnate or double-pinnate leaves. The leaves are dull green, the petioles are thin.
Adiantum fragrans(Adiantum Fragrans). It is a popular houseplant that grows in the Andes. The fern develops quickly. Differs in oval leaves of pale green color, sitting on short 10-15 cm petioles.
Adiantum - signs
It is believed that the maidenhair refreshes and invigorates those people who are in the room where it grows. In addition, this fern calms, makes a person more welcoming to problems.
For information on how to care for ferns at home, see the video:
But in order for the flower to please you and your loved ones, you will have to take care of it, and the maidenhair is quite whimsical.
Description
If you are a little familiar with some, then you will agree that the maidenhair is the most delicate and graceful plant of the entire range of ferns. Proof of this is the fact that this plant is often used by florists.
Did you know? Fern was originally used for wedding bouquets, as it is believed that it brings women happiness.
Although it is certainly better to use the fern as a potted plant rather than as a decoration in bouquets. The fact is that cut stems fade very quickly: much faster than other components of the bouquet.
Patterned foliage looks very impressive, and its juicy bright green color will give your room freshness and summer mood even on the coldest winter day.
Adiantum is perennial fern. In height, it can reach 60 cm, and sometimes even higher. The root is creeping and sprawling. Petioles usually average 13 cm. They have a glossy surface.
Conditions in the room
The lush green crown (fern photo below) will delight the eye if you properly care for the plant. Care at home for the maidenhair requires diligence: you need to water, moisten, spray, nourish and cut the fern. 
Humidity and temperature
Many plants do not pay attention to such a factor as air humidity, but this does not apply to adiantum. If you do not follow certain tips, then you will never be able to achieve the effect of lush leaves and achieve a bright green color - and these are the main advantages of the fern.
Humidity should be high: not less than 60%, and it is better that this value reaches 70%. There are many ways to achieve this effect. For some, the house is quite damp, while for others, on the contrary, the air is too dry, and if you belong to the second category, then you can spray the plant yourself.
High humidity must be maintained at any time of the year. 
Important! During the heating season, place the plant away from batteries and other devices designed to heat the air.
Lighting
Home care for the maidenhair includes another important factor: lighting should be moderate, ideally diffused.
It is important to ensure that venus hair the hot sun did not fall - bright rays are fatal to him. It is better to choose a north or east window to place a pot with
If you still want the adiantum to stand exactly in the room on the south or west side, then in this case you should at least place it not at the window, but more deep into the room. Move him away from outer wall at least three meters. 
AT spring time in the morning and evening it is allowed to hit not a large number sun, on a hot day it is better to put the pot in partial shade.
In winter, additional lighting for the fern is not required.
The soil
During care, always make sure that the soil at the very root is loose, it must have high water carrying capacity.
Planting maidenhair
The plant propagates in two ways: and You can choose yourself, we will only talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each of them in order to facilitate your choice.
By dividing the bush
This option is better suited for the reproduction of those ferns that are old enough, even so much that they have already lost their aesthetic qualities. 
Did you know? From Latin, the name of the flower can be translated as "not wet." This fern got its name due to the ability to remain dry even after exposure to water.
This process must be approached with all caution, because if something goes wrong, then you will not only not get new plants, but also completely destroy the old one. In addition, the survival rate of new parts is not very high.
Carry out the procedure in the spring. It is necessary to get the fern out of the pot carefully, along with the root. Next, the root is cleared of the earth that remains on it, be careful not to tear off small roots. 
Prepare a sharpened knife, it is important that it is sterile. Carefully divide the rhizome into 2 or more parts so that each part has one (preferably more) healthy leaf.
Sterilize the ground in advance, take some kind of container or pot, pour a little in there. Put the separated parts of the fern in these containers.
Important! Moisten the soil and fern leaves immediately after transplanting. Place the pots in a shady and warm place.
Through spraying, it is desirable to feed the roots. Caring for young plants is the same as caring for adult specimens. 
Don't worry if the growth process takes too long, this is normal for the fern.
disputes
The venus hair flower can also reproduce in another way - by spores. This option also has many complications. The room temperature should be about 22 degrees above zero.
Prepare the soil as described above, be sure to add sand. Next, you need to find the largest and healthiest leaf. At the bottom of it there will be small brown spots - these are the spores.
This leaf must be separated from the plant, and all spores must be collected from it. 
Important! D In order to sterilize the soil, you can heat it in the oven or just in a frying pan.
There should be a substrate in the pot and moisten the soil, and after that you can start sowing. No need to bury the spores, just sprinkle them on top of the ground. After that, you can sprinkle a little substrate on top and that's it.
Cover the containers with cling film or some kind of glass to create Greenhouse effect. The room should be warm and dark enough, but when the first shoots appear, open the plants and transfer them to the light.
When the sprouts have finally grown a little and become stronger, select the strongest of them and arrange the seedlings. Between each should be a distance of at least 3 cm.
Plant care at home
Of great importance in home care for venereal hair is watering and fertilizing. If the leaves of the maidenhair dry, it means that you did not carry out these procedures carefully enough.
Watering
Water should not be too cold and not hot, it is better to take liquid at room temperature.
Adjusting the temperature yourself is difficult, so to achieve this effect, hold a watering can with water for about an hour indoors. In addition, during this time she will have time to settle.
Highly good option will also be the use of rainwater, which will definitely not have any harmful substances. 
It is not necessary to assume that since this is what he needs excessive watering. This is not the case, however, and do not allow the earth to be too dry. If you overdo it, you risk killing the entire above-ground part of the plant, and if you don't water enough, you can ruin the underground part.
To know when it's time to water a flower, feel the soil with your hands. If it is a little dry, then it's time.Fertilizer
Venus hair is a flower that needs periodic fertilization. Most often, the soil is fertilized with a flower concentrate.
As you know, it lasts in the plant in spring and summer. Carry out the procedure approximately 1 time in 20-30 days. 
Transfer
Transplantation, as well as the reproduction of the bush, division or spores, takes place exclusively in the spring. Gardeners note that the best result is achieved if do it annually. If you do not have enough time or desire, then transplanting is allowed only when you understand that the fern in the pot has become cramped.
The rules are exactly the same as for fern propagation:
- Sterilize the earth.
- Remove the plant from its previous habitat.
- Carefully clean the root from the ground.
- Place in a new pot.
- Moisten the soil immediately and fertilize.
Pests, diseases and other difficulties
Home care for Venus hair is not limited to watering and fertilizing, it is important to ensure that the plant does not get sick. Although you should not worry about this (the fern is very rarely attacked
Luxurious, lush maidenhair is popularly called Venus hair. This fern will decorate any home collection or greenhouse. The plant is very decorative due to its graceful, delicate leaves, so it is often used as part of a floral arrangement. In order to properly grow a venus hair flower, home care and the features of its maintenance must meet its needs. What exactly, you will now find out on this page “Popular about health”.
Venus hair at home is able to grow quite quickly. It can double in one season. But the plant has one feature - it does not tolerate pruning. As well as any other representative of the ferns, the maidenhair quickly fades after such a procedure. In length, Venus hair can reach 60-70 cm. wild nature it can be seen near streams and ponds, near waterfalls, in rock crevices.
Venus hair flower - care and maintenance requirements
Lighting for a flower: the maidenhair prefers window sills or corners of the room shaded from the sun. It is advisable to place the pot on the north side of the apartment, where there is no direct sunlight. If all the windows in the house face south, the glass can be covered with reflective film.
The temperature regime for Venus hair should fluctuate between + 10- + 23 degrees. Such conditions allow you to take the plant to the balcony or to the gazebo in the summer. So that the growth of the flower does not stop during the year, the temperature should not be allowed to drop below +10 degrees. High humidity is one of the most important conditions for keeping adiantum at home. He loves spraying, moist soil, does not tolerate closely spaced radiators.
Despite such preferences for moisture, water should not be allowed to stagnate in a pot. A layer is needed at the bottom good drainage, since the roots are afraid of excessive amounts of water and can rot. In summer, on hot days, twice a day watering per week is enough, subject to daily light spraying. In winter, it is enough to moisten the soil in a pot every 5-6 days, but it all depends on the heating conditions and humidity in the room.
By the way, pay attention to some subspecies of Venus hair, which are able to shed some of the leaves for the winter. This is normal, but such plants are rarely sold as home ornamental flowers. If this happens to your plant, first make sure that the conditions of detention, watering and fertilizing are suitable for it. Inspect the leaves for pests and diseases. If nothing is found, then you have come across just such a species that can renew its branches (fronds).
Venus hair is a very demanding plant for air purity. It can die with excessive release of the smell of burning, from cigarette smoke. He has no place in the kitchen, as there is very often a flower and dies from such exposure.
Landing features
Adiantum needs a tight, narrow pot. Then it will grow more actively in the supra-soil part. The plant prefers a soil mixture composed of equal parts sod land and fibrous peat. You can add white fine sand to the soil.
You need to change the flower pot no more than 1 time in 2 years. Pay attention to the growing ground parts. When it becomes crowded, you can change the container by choosing a diameter 1-2 cm larger. Need to transplant in early spring. Do not compact the soil tightly, it should pass air well to the roots.
Please note that the flower does not like changing places. If it is often transferred from one room to another, growth slows down, it becomes not too lush and dull. The acclimatization period can take up to 7-8 days for new fronds to start growing. Therefore, for Venus hair, you need to immediately choose a permanent suitable place.
Proper pruning
Despite the fact that the maidenhair does not tolerate any cuts, it may be necessary to remove some branches. For example, when the soil dries out, yellow dry branches may appear that cannot be left. They are carefully cut with sharp secateurs or scissors, and the remaining fresh parts of the plant are immediately sprayed.
Dangerous pests for Venus hair
Dry air in the room or vice versa excessive watering can lead to plant disease. Blackening appears on the leaves with excess moisture, and with drought, the branches turn yellow. In addition, the flower can be attacked by pests. Most often, spider mites are found on the leaves. He prefers the stems, but over time, the leaves also suffer. You can see how a cobweb appeared in the internodes, and the leaves themselves curl up and dry. The tick quickly leaves after processing and moisturizing the plant. Rinse carefully under warm shower all branches, remove the cobwebs, and also wash the surface where the pot is.
Another danger is aphids. It usually collects on the lower surface of the leaves or on the tops. The plant curls up, quickly weakens and falls off. To destroy aphids, it is enough to treat Venus hair with a fitoverm, actellik or other insecticide. When the plant dries after spraying, it must be rinsed clean water, carefully washing each leaf and examining for remaining pests.
Venus hair, or as it is also called Adiantum, is the most elegant fern.
Delicate in texture, the plant is often compared to the hair of Venus, the goddess of love.
Its lush green crown looks like a hat of hair on dark petioles and develops beautifully in any slight wind.
A legend is even associated with its name that it owes its appearance to the fact that Venus threw her strand of hair to the ground, and this is how Venus hair appeared.
In the language of flowers, adiantum means love, and there is even a belief that having it in a woman's house will bring her happiness and mutual love. And if suddenly the flower fades, then problems in the relationship are outlined.
Features of care
Venus hair requires the same careful and diligent care as living hair. At the same time, the maidenhair has a significant advantage over other plants that are grown at home.
It doesn't require a lot of light. And with the right approach to care, it will bring joy and decorativeness to the house for a long time, even on the north side of the house and in dark corners.
Venus hair is also often used to create beautiful bouquets for the wedding. But it must be remembered that after the maidenhair is cut off, it fades very quickly.
Origin
Venus hair belongs to the genus Adiantum and to the Pteris family. His natural environment habitats are topics, and in the climatic zone of Russia it can be grown in a greenhouse or botanical garden.
It grows most often in forest areas on the banks of mountain rivers, gorges, in rock crevices, near waterfalls.
It is also suitable for decorating apartments and growing at home.
The name of the flower maidenhair comes from the Greek expression a diant - not to wet. It was given to the plant for its interesting coating on the leaves that keeps them from getting wet.
Appearance
fern is perennial plant, grows up to 60 centimeters. Its roots are short, creeping, with black scales.
Wai petioles, growing up to 25 centimeters, are black and brown, thin and glossy, with small leaves of delicate green color, like curls of hair.
Along the edges of the leaves is a sorus, a pocket in which spores ripen, dark in color. Adiantum spores throughout the summer, Venus hair leaves grow up to 40-60 centimeters.
It grows very quickly, in one spring its rosette can grow twice. And when choosing a landing site, this must be taken into account, and planted in such a way that he is comfortable.
Adiantums do not like transplants, if it is often transplanted, then its fronds will lose their decorative effect and may dry out. Therefore, it is always better to choose a place for him immediately.
Venus hair varieties
There are more than two thousand species of ferns in nature. Adiantum is considered the most delicate and refined. And some of its species are widely recognized by gardeners.
The most famous species is Adiantum venus hair, and very often all types of maidenhair are called by this name.
Adiantum venus hair
In nature, it is found on the stone banks of rivers and lakes located in the mountains. Its leaves can grow up to 25 centimeters, look asymmetrical and strongly pinnate.
Dark petioles are crowned with small leaves, up to 3 centimeters long, and arranged in the shape of a wedge and cover the pot with an openwork cover.
Light green leaves and black petioles contrast very effectively. Plant spores mature from late spring to October. At home, the maidenhair is propagated by dividing the root.
Adiantum large-leaved
This species of fern was developed in America, where it is found along roadsides and near gutters.
Its leaves are pointed, up to 50 centimeters long, very unusually colored. Its young shoots are red with a pink tint, and green tint acquire over time.
Adiantum stopiform
It is the most cold-resistant type of fern. Can grow in the wild southern regions Russia and in some places meet in the middle lane.
Flexible dark petioles grow up to 60 centimeters, small leaves dissected from the edge are placed on them.
Bushes of this species have a semicircular shape. Suitable for growing at home, and not capricious, like other species.
Adiantum finely pubescent
Sometimes it is also called small-haired. It grows freely in mountainous areas in Africa, Australia, India.
Brown petioles, growing up to 35 centimeters, are crowned with diamond-shaped leaves, with serrated edges and pubescent below. Their sori are very densely packed. Good for indoor growing.
Adiantum tender
It is found in the wild in the tropical zone of America and the Antilles.
Petioles up to 30 centimeters long, black with delicate feathery leaves, very decorative. Distributed as a houseplant.
Andiantum venustum
This species is native to Nepal and India. Petioles are red-brown in color with elongated leaves of a rich green hue.
The fern grows up to 40 centimeters in height and is often used as an ampelous plant.
Adiantum kidney-shaped
Is the most unusual view among the ferns. Long flexible petioles end in semicircular leaves resembling horseshoes.
In the wild, it is found only in the Canary Islands, and grows up to 20 centimeters. Its dwarf variety grows only up to 10 centimeters.
Adiantum Ruddy
It is a native of tropical America.
Its leaves are long, creeping, and the petioles are dark brown, almost black. Popular as a houseplant and has several subspecies.
Adiantum Fragrance
Differs in very fast growth, and reaches a height of 50 centimeters. Its curly leaves are loosely arranged on petioles of a gray-brown color.
Chilean maidenhair
It is distinguished by small growth, up to 40 centimeters and good drought resistance. Its leaves are rounded, serrated, densely located on the petioles, crawling on top of each other.
Ethiopian maidenhair
It comes from Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Has unusual petioles, painted on top magenta and black below. The leaves are arranged loosely in wide wedges with rounded edges.
Growing venus hair
Adiantums are not capricious ferns, but require some conditions in order to show their beauty.
Conditions for favorable growth
Lighting
The relation to lighting in a Venus hair is very simple.
He does not really like direct sunlight, and feels most comfortable on the windowsill on the north side of the house.
In rooms where it is quite hot, he will feel good under the rack.
Temperature
All types of maidenhair grow well on fresh air, however, in order for them to grow for a whole year, the temperature should not be allowed to drop below 10 degrees. If the temperature rises above 20 degrees, then it is necessary to provide additional moisture.
Humidity
Dry indoor air is detrimental to ferns. With a long period of dry air, it will begin to lose leaves.
Therefore, it is necessary to spray it with warm water, boiled or tap water, from a spray bottle daily.
In order for the air in the room to be humid, you can use a pallet with wet expanded clay or peat, or use special electronic humidifiers.
You can place a fern in wet room, kitchen or bathroom, or arrange a potted plant near an indoor fountain.
Such humidification is mandatory during the heating period in apartments, and on hot days in summer. It is necessary to arrange a shower once a week for the maidenhair, covering the ground with polyethylene, from waterlogging. You can also ventilate the room, not very cold air.
Purity
The room where the maidenhair pot is located must be kept clean. The fern does not tolerate dust and strong odors such as tobacco and burning. The room must be aired twice a day, and wet cleaning twice.
Watering
Adiantum prefers to be watered with soft and warm water, which has been defended for 24 hours. Watering is done after the top layer of soil has dried, at least once a week.
During the summer, and during the heating period in winter, it is best to water twice or thrice a week.
In autumn and winter periods, the maidenhair is watered very rarely, since when low temperature The roots of the plant may rot.
top dressing
Fertilizers are applied under the roots of the plant every two or three weeks, during periods of active growth in the spring or summer. Suitable for maidenhair organic complex fertilizers suitable for ferns or ornamental deciduous.
Landing
Venus hair is planted in wide pots or flowerpots, for a comfortable location of powerful roots. At the same time, the crown of the fern falls along the walls of the pot from the outside.
The soil mixture should be used from peat, humus, sand and charcoal, with the addition of calcium-containing fertilizer. Or buy ready mix in the shop.
Transfer
If there is a need to transplant a fern, then it must be done at the end of March.
In this case, the pot must be selected bigger size than the previous one.
The soil for transplantation is chosen the same as for the primary planting. Transplantation is carried out by transshipment to avoid damage to the roots of the fern.
rest period
Since ferns never bloom, their rest period is not as pronounced as in flowering plants. AT winter period maidenhair simply slows down growth processes.
At this time, he needs diffused light, high humidity, moderate temperature and protected from hot air and drafts. A comfortable temperature is considered to be 15-20 degrees.
At the same time, the lower the temperature in the room, the less often it will be necessary to water the plant.
reproduction
Reproduction of the maidenhair occurs in two ways: dividing the bush and spores
Reproduction by dividing the bush
They basically do this division during transplantation. A well-developed bush is divided into parts so that all individual parts have buds. Separated parts must be immediately planted in the ground and provide increased care.
Reproduction by spores
They are harvested from the mother plant or bought in a store.
- Spores are sown in a container with soil consisting of sand, peat and earth.
- From above it is covered with a film or glass and placed in warm room, limiting direct sunlight, airing daily and ensuring regular watering.
- In a month, the first gatherings will appear, then the film is removed and the container is moved to the light.
- Transplantation is carried out when the sprouts reach a height of 2-3 centimeters.
Diseases and pests
All fern diseases occur due to improper care or due to pests.
- lack of moisture leads to the appearance brown spots on leaves and wrinkling.
- With dry and dirty air the crown of the maidenhair dries up. At the first sign, it is necessary to ventilate the room, water the plant, wipe the leaves with a sponge and spray it.
- Pale coloration and lethargy are the result of a lack of nutrients in the kidney. Corrected with top dressing.
- When it's cold the fern curls its leaves.
- Invasion of aphids or spider mites. They deplete the forces of the maidenhair and he dies. If found, it is necessary to wash the fern with soapy water and then treated with insecticides.
medicinal use
In addition to decorative properties, adiantums also have medicinal properties.
The leaves and petioles of venus hair are used to treat smoking addiction.
And in Italy, a drug has already been created, from the acid contained in the maidenhair, which treats alcoholism, addiction to coffee and tobacco.
Infusions and powders from the plant are often used as an antipyretic and expectorant.
In some countries, in the form of a paste from plants, wounds are healed and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are treated. And in the form of a powder, gastritis, jaundice, and urolithiasis are treated as a diuretic and laxative.