Photo: Jacqui GeuxCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Cunningham's maidenhair fern Plant Care
Adiantum cunninghamii Hook.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This fern's delicate, fan-shaped fronds are its most striking feature. Originating from New Zealand, Adiantum cunninghamii is sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in low-light environments. With its graceful, airy foliage, this species adds an elegant touch to any indoor garden.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Cunningham's maidenhair fern?
Water Cunningham's maidenhair fern every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Cunningham's maidenhair fern Native To?
What Is the Cunningham's maidenhair fern?
Cunningham's maidenhair fern (Adiantum cunninghamii) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Adiantum genus. Cunningham's maidenhair fern is native to New Zealand. Cunningham's maidenhair fern is also known as New Zealand maidenhair.
Cunningham's maidenhair fern displays a fern with delicate fronds growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Cunningham's maidenhair fern produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Cunningham's maidenhair fern?
Adiantum cunninghamii requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Cunningham's maidenhair fern Need?
Cunningham's maidenhair fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Cunningham's maidenhair fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cunningham's maidenhair fern Prefer?
Adiantum cunninghamii grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Cunningham's maidenhair fern prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cunningham's maidenhair fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Cunningham's maidenhair fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Cunningham's maidenhair fern?
Feed Cunningham's maidenhair fern every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Cunningham's maidenhair fern?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cunningham's maidenhair fern?
Cunningham's maidenhair fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to adiantum bellum plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cunningham's maidenhair fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cunningham's maidenhair fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cunningham's maidenhair fern?
Cunningham's maidenhair fern is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cunningham's maidenhair fern Need?
Cunningham's maidenhair fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Cunningham's maidenhair fern is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Cunningham's maidenhair fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Cunningham's maidenhair fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Adiantum genus — compare its care with other Adiantum species on PlantoScan.
Adiantum is part of the Pteridaceae plant family — browse all Pteridaceae genera and species.
Cunningham's maidenhair fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Adiantum Species
Other Adiantum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Adiantum cunninghamii Hook., family Pteridaceae (first published in Sp. Fil. 2. 52 t. 86 A. 1851. NPfl. 28 (1851)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cunningham's maidenhair fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jacqui Geux, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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