Rosy Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum hispidulum

Not specified

The Rosy Maidenhair Fern (scientific name: Adiantum hispidulum), also known as the Rough Maidenhair, is a striking and widespread evergreen perennial fern indigenous to New Zealand. A popular member of the Pteridaceae family, it is celebrated for the beautiful rosy pink or bronze coloration of its emerging young fronds, which gradually mature into a rich dark green. Found primarily in the upper half of the North Island and on the Kermadec Islands, it thrives in humid forest margins and on shaded rocky banks. Its common name 'Rough Maidenhair' refers to the tiny, stiff hairs that cover its dark stems and central axes. Understanding this fern contributes to the appreciation of our diverse botanical heritage and supports conservation efforts for all native species.

<i>Adiantum hispidulum</i>(Adiantum hispidulum) showing <i>Adiantum hispidulum</i>growth habit — Image credit: Rosy Maidenhair Fern (*Adiantum hispidulum*) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Identification and Physical Characteristics

Adiantum hispidulum typically grows in attractive, arching clumps, reaching heights between 30 and 46 cm. Its fronds are bipinnate to tripinnate and are divided into narrow pinnae featuring rough-textured, fan-shaped leaflets. A defining feature of this species is the contrast between the vibrant pink of new growth and the deep green or bronze-green of the mature foliage. The stipes (stems) are polished and dark, covered with minute, stiff hairs (hispid) that give the plant a distinctly rough feel when touched. Sori appear on the under margins of the leaflets during the summer months. Its name 'Adiantum' is derived from the Greek for 'unwetted,' referring to the characteristic water-repellent properties of its beautiful foliage.

Quick Facts

*Adiantum hispidulum* quick facts
Scientific Name	Adiantum hispidulum
Height	30-46 cm (12-18 inches)
Spread	Forms colonies via rhizomes, 0.6-1.2 m wide
Water Needs	Regular watering - consistently moist but well-drained soil
Light	Partial shade - filtered light with protection from direct sun
Frost Tolerance	Moderate - hardy to -5°C with protection
Salt Tolerance	Low - requires protection from coastal salt exposure
Growth Rate	Moderate - establishes within 2-3 seasons
Lifespan	Long-lived perennial fern (15+ years)

Climate Best Suited to

Adiantum hispidulumis well adapted to various New Zealand regions.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for *Adiantum hispidulum*
City	Climate Suitability
Auckland	High
Wellington	High
Christchurch	Medium

Plant Habitat

Natural Occurrence and Ecology

In New Zealand, the Rosy Maidenhair Fern is a native species most common in the northern North Island and the Kermadec Islands, with more isolated populations further south. It prefers humid forest margins, shaded rock faces, and steep banks where moisture is consistent. It is frequently found on base-rich substrates, often beneath the dense canopy of podocarp-broadleaved forests or along the cool, moist edges of permanent streams. This resilient fern can also adapt to drier, sunnier banks and open coastal forests, where it tucks its short rhizomes into rock pockets or mossy logs. It shows a preference for sites with good air circulation while avoiding high humidity stagnant heat.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

Well-drained
Loamy

Light Requirements

Grows best in partial to full sun.

Full Sun
Partial Shade

Water Requirements

Requires regular watering during dry periods.

Regular
Drought tolerant once established

Planting and Establishing

Establishment Guidance

Establishing Rosy Maidenhair Fern in a garden requires a position that provides bright, indirect light or filtered shade to maintain the best foliage colour. It thrives in organically rich, fertile soil that is consistently moist but well-drained to prevent rhizome rot. Choose a sheltered spot protected from direct midday sun, which can easily scorch its delicate leaflets. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root clump and plant at the same depth as it was in its container. While it is more tolerant of occasional drying out than many other maidenhair species, regular watering and high humidity are beneficial for lush growth. It is an excellent choice for shaded garden borders, rockeries, or as a vibrant indoor plant.

Ecological Role

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact

In its native ecosystems, Adiantum hispidulum plays a vital role by providing structural detail and resources for small fauna. Its dense, arching clumps create stable micro-habitats and high-humidity environments for specialized native invertebrates. The species contributes to the biological diversity of forest floor communities and helps stabilize moist banks and rocky outcrops with its clumped rhizome system. Its minute spores are wind-dispersed, allowing it to colonize new areas of suitable habitat across its broad Pacific range. By covering bare soil in shaded areas, it assists in the natural resilience and health of New Zealand's northern forest understories, supporting the complex web of life in these humid environments.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Rosy Maidenhair Fern is a highly sought-after plant for native ferneries and shaded rock gardens due to its unique seasonal colour display. Its pinkish new fronds provide a stunning contrast to deeper greens, making it a beautiful focal point in a shaded border. Because it is more resilient than many other maidenhairs, it is a reliable choice for less-than-perfect garden spots where a fine texture is desired. It is also an elegant and popular option for indoor plant collections, thriving in humid rooms or terrariums where its graceful, arching habit and rough stems can be admired up close. It adds a touch of subtropical elegance to any space.

Shaded border accent
Rock garden filler

Ecological Value

Ecologically, it is a valuable species for restoring the understory of lowland and coastal forests in the North Island. It supports local biodiversity by providing habitat for specialized invertebrates and contributes to the overall aesthetic and biological richness of New Zealand's native forest remnants.

Invertebrate habitat
Erosion control

Landscaping Uses

In professional landscape design, Rosy Maidenhair Fern is used to add textural depth and dynamic colour to shaded environments. Its bright pink emerging fronds provide a unique seasonal interest that works exceptionally well in contemporary native gardens. It is ideal for mass planting under the canopy of larger forest trees or for softened the edges of stone features in humid courtyard designs. The way its fronds arch and move in the breeze adds a horizontal, airy element to the landscape. Its reliable performance and ability to form tidy clumps make it a low-maintenance and highly effective choice for high-quality native landscaping in sheltered, frost-free sites.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

The start of the active growth period. This is when the signature rosy pink fronds are most abundant and spectacular. Apply a very light dressing of organic native fertilizer or blood and bone to encourage lush new growth.

Fertilize
Mulch

Summer

Ensure the soil remains consistently moist during the heat of summer. Misting the fronds during early morning or evening can help maintain the required humidity levels and prevent the foliage from becoming scorched or brittle in dry air.

Water
Check for pests

Autumn

Growth begins to slow as temperatures drop. Tidy the area around the base of the fern and ensure no heavy fallen leaves from larger shrubs are smothering the delicate fronds, which can encourage fungal issues in the damp autumn air.

Prune lightly
Plant new specimens

Winter

The fern has moderate frost tolerance but requires protection in colder regions. In a garden setting, ensure it is in a sheltered, frost-free spot. Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging, which can be fatal to the rhizomes in winter.

Frost protection

When to Prune and How Much

Rosy Maidenhair Fern requires very little conventional pruning. Maintenance is generally limited to the occasional removal of old, spent, or damaged fronds to keep the clump looking fresh and to allow more light to reach the new growth in the center. This should be done using sharp, sterilized scissors to cut the thin, wiry stems as close to the base as possible. Avoid pulling the fronds off by hand, as this can damage the short, clumped rhizomes. Always use clean tools to prevent the introduction of pathogens to the plant and to ensure quick recovery after maintenance.

Remove dead branches

Always use clean, sharp tools.

How to Grow Rosy Maidenhair Fern

Cultivating Rosy Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum hispidulum) is a rewarding process for any gardener interested in New Zealand's native ferns. This resilient species can be propagated through several methods, allowing you to easily increase your stock of this colourful plant. Success depends on providing the warm, humid, and well-drained conditions it thrives in throughout its native northern North Island range.

From Seed

Propagation from spores is possible and allows for the production of many new ferns. Spores should be collected from the dark sori along the leaf margins when they are mature. Sow them onto the surface of a sterilized, moist peat-based mix and keep them in a warm, brightly lit position under a clear cover to maintain high humidity. Germination can be slow, but the resulting plants will be robust and well-adapted to their environment.

Sow fresh seeds in a seed-raising mix.

Collect seeds
Sow in trays

Keep moist until germination.

From Cuttings

The most reliable and fastest method for home gardeners is the division of established clumps in early spring. Carefully lift the plant and divide the short, dark rhizomatous root system, ensuring each new section has several healthy fronds and a good portion of the root system. Replant these immediately into a rich, moist potting mix and keep them in a sheltered, humid spot until new growth is evident.

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Take cuttings
Use rooting hormone

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Adiantum hispidulum, other methods such as division or layering might also be viable options. Division is particularly suitable for plants that form dense clumps or have spreading root systems, while layering can be used for species with trailing or flexible stems.

Young ferns should be established in a sheltered site protected from direct sun and strong winds. While more tolerant of drying out than other maidenhairs, they must be kept in a consistently moist environment during their first few seasons. A top-dressing of fine leaf mould or organic mulch around the base will help regulate soil moisture and provide the humid forest-floor conditions the fronds require to thrive.

Divide clumps
Replant immediately

Pests & Diseases

Rosy Maidenhair Fern is generally healthy but can be susceptible to some common pests if conditions are not ideal. Scale insects or mealybugs can occasionally target the wiry stems. The primary health risk is root rot caused by poor drainage or overwatering. Maintaining high humidity and choosing a well-ventilated, shaded position with perfect drainage is the best way to ensure the long-term health of your fern and to prevent any physiological problems from developing.

Cultural Significance

The Rosy Maidenhair Fern represents the colourful diversity of New Zealand's indigenous fern flora. Its distinctive pink emerging fronds have long been admired by botanists and native plant enthusiasts for their unique beauty. While not as well-known as larger forest ferns, it is a significant part of the botanical identity of northern New Zealand and the wider Pacific region. Today, it is highly valued for its resilience and the exquisite vertical and horizontal detail it brings to our native landscapes.

Traditional medicine
Crafts

Bonus Tip

To truly showcase the spectacular rosy-pink colour of the new growth, plant this fern where it can be seen from above or in a position where the light can filter through the young fronds. The combination of vibrant pink and deep green creates a stunning and authentic native highlight in the garden.

Plant Conservation

Conservation Status

Currently classified as 'Not Threatened' nationally, the Rosy Maidenhair Fern remains a stable part of New Zealand's native flora. However, its long-term survival is linked to the preservation of lowland forest understories and damp coastal margins, which are increasingly threatened by land-use changes and the spread of invasive weeds. Protecting these specialized micro-habitats and maintaining the integrity of forest floor moisture regimes are key strategies for ensuring this delicate fern continues to thrive across its natural range.