Kidney Fern Plant Care
Adiantum reniforme L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Adiantum reniforme is a species of fern in the genus Adiantum (maidenhairs), family Pteridaceae. It grows in sheltered rock crevices and on walls.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Kidney Fern?
Water Kidney 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 Kidney Fern Native To?
What Is the Kidney Fern?
Kidney Fern (Adiantum reniforme) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Adiantum genus. Kidney Fern is native to Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde islands, and patchily in East Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands, Comoros, as well as a few relictual sites in the Tibesti in Chad. Kidney Fern is also known as Ovate-leaved Maidenhair Fern.
Kidney Fern displays a fern with delicate fronds growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Kidney Fern produces non-flowering plant.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kidney Fern?
Adiantum reniforme 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 Kidney Fern Need?
Kidney Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Kidney 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 Kidney Fern Prefer?
Adiantum reniforme grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Kidney 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 Kidney Fern?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Kidney Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kidney Fern?
Feed Kidney 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 Kidney 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 Kidney Fern?
Kidney 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 Kidney Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kidney 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 Kidney Fern?
Kidney 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 Kidney Fern Need?
Kidney Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Kidney Fern is native to Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde islands, and patchily in East Africa, Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands, Comoros, as well as a few relictual sites in the Tibesti in Chad. In cooler regions, grow Kidney Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Kidney 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.
Kidney 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 reniforme L., family Pteridaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1094 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kidney 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, 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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