pale maidenhair fern

[webbie]

why are the leaves on my maidenhair fern very pale green - not lush dark green like they should be - it's growing well otherwise

[Jules001]

I would think it hasn't got enough light, as plants need light to make Chlorophyll which makes the leaves look green, it's also their food supply, so it is an early warning that something is wrong, put it somewhere lighter and it should recover.

[Newt]

Hi Webbie, My maidenhair ferns aren't a dark green, but a paler shade than other ferns in my garden. Different varieties of maidenhair fern like differnt ph levels. You might want to test your soil to see if the ph is too acid or too alkaline and adjust accordingly. Take a look here. http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/ferns/adiantumpeda.html http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/hortline/messages/3435.sh tml " Maidenhair ferns with their horseshoe-shaped fronds on wiry stems are prized for their airy and delicate-looking foliage. This maidenhair requires slightly acid soil. Southern maidenhair ferns, close relatives also prized for delicate airy foliage, require a sweeter soil with a higher pH. Both maidenhairs are Missouri-Illinois natives that are beautiful in garden settings. Both prefer sites that are constantly moist yet well draining." Newt

[webbie]

Thanks for the answers, the plant has been in the same pot and position for a couple of years, so I'll check the soil and move it to a different position.

[Newt]

Webbie, You didn't say it was in a pot and I just assumed it was in the ground! Oops. They like a rich soil and most potting soils are peat moss based. Peat moss is very low in nutrients and, if it's been in a pot, and the same pot for so long, then it needs organic fertilizer. Try fish emulsion or sea kelp. If you unpot it and find it's extremely root bound, be sure to soak the root ball for an hour or so when you repot. Take a look here. http://www.greengold.com.au/greengold/CARENOTES/CARENOTES/ad iantum.htm Newt