Overview
Adiantum aethiopicum is a small ground fern spreading by slender creeping rhizomes to form open colonies 15-40 cm (6-16 in) tall. The fronds are 2-3 times divided, triangular to oval in outline, carried on slender, wiry, glossy black stalks that contrast with the foliage. The individual segments, or pinnules, are fan- to wedge-shaped, 6-12 mm (0.25-0.5 in) wide, thin and bright green, with the outer margin lobed. Spore-bearing structures sit under the reflexed margins at the pinnule edges. The light, airy fronds tremble in the slightest breeze. It grows in moist sheltered sites, on stream banks, shaded rock ledges, gullies, and damp slopes across much of Australia, often near seepage or in the spray of waterfalls. The fern dies back in cold or dry conditions and reshoots from the rhizome when moisture returns. It needs constant humidity and shelter, scorching quickly in sun, wind, or dry air, which makes it short-lived in exposed gardens.
Native Range
Native across much of Australia, in all mainland states, on moist shaded stream banks, rock ledges, gullies, and damp forest floors, often near seepage and waterfalls. It also occurs in New Zealand and parts of Africa.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded ferneries, courtyard pots, hanging baskets, terrariums, and along shaded stream-side or rockery plantings. Its need for humidity and shelter suits protected, moist positions rather than open beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'4"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
As a fern, Adiantum aethiopicum does not flower. It reproduces by spores held under the rolled-under margins of the pinnules, shed in the warmer months. New fronds arise from the creeping rhizome whenever moisture and warmth allow.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright green on glossy black stalksGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part to full shade in constantly moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, sheltered from sun and wind. It needs steady moisture and high humidity and collapses if the soil or air dries out. It tolerates light frost and dies back in cold winters, returning from the rhizome in spring. It suits a shaded fernery, terrarium, or pot where humidity stays high. Tired or browned fronds can be cut to the ground to prompt fresh growth.Pruning
Cutting old or damaged fronds to the base in late winter encourages a flush of new growth. No other pruning is needed. Dividing the rhizome in spring renews crowded clumps.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing