Adiantum peruvianum 'Silver Dollar Fern'

Adiantum peruvianum, commonly known as the Silver Dollar Fern or Peruvian Maidenhair Fern, is a striking tropical fern native to the wet forests of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Unlike the finely textured foliage of many maidenhair ferns, this species develops unusually large, rounded leaflets resembling silvery green coins. The foliage is carried on slender, glossy black stems that create a dramatic contrast with the soft green leaves. New growth may emerge with a delicate pink or bronze tint before maturing to green. Silver Dollar Fern is a naturally occurring species, not a hybrid, and ‘Silver Dollar Fern’ is its common trade name rather than a formally registered cultivar. It grows into an elegant, airy clump and makes an exceptional houseplant, terrarium specimen, or addition to a warm, humid greenhouse. Although slightly more substantial than other maidenhair ferns, it still requires consistent moisture and humidity to keep its foliage lush.

☀️ Light

Provide bright, indirect light or gentle filtered sunlight. Avoid prolonged direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate leaflets.

💧 Water

Keep the soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged. Do not allow the potting mix to dry completely, as even a brief dry period can cause the foliage to curl, brown, or collapse.

🌡️ Temperature

Prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Protect it from temperatures below 55°F, cold drafts, heaters, and air-conditioning vents.

💦 Humidity

High humidity is essential. Maintain humidity above 60 percent whenever possible, with 70 percent or higher producing the best growth.

🌱 Soil

Use a loose, moisture-retentive mix rich in organic matter. A combination of peat moss or coco coir, fine orchid bark, and perlite provides moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain.

🪴 Fertilizer

Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or discontinue feeding during cooler months when growth slows.

✂️ Maintenance

Remove brown or damaged fronds at the soil line. If the plant becomes severely dry and loses its foliage, trimming it back and restoring consistent moisture may encourage fresh growth from the rhizomes.

🐾 Toxicity

Non toxic