Sprays of finely divided foliage suspended on black stems make this compact maidenhair fern an absolute show stopper. It looks almost like a green mist from a distance, and as the fronds develop unfurl they become somewhat pendulous as they become weighed down, resulting in a cascade of lacy greenery. It is an excellent choice for growing in containers, which allows the fronds to cascade down without touching the ground. The cultivar name ‘Ultragracillimum’ literally means “extremely narrow”, an apt name since the segments are compact and rounded instead of having spreading, fan shaped margins like so many other maidenhair ferns. Its petite and prolific foliage is similar to Adiantum raddianum ‘Microphyllum’, but with slightly larger segments on the foliage. As with other Adiantum raddianum (Delta Maidenhair) cultivars, it is fairly vigorous during the growing season and reaches full size (about 12”) quickly despite being a dwarf fern. We have had great success overwintering these in a minimally heated greenhouse with frost protection, and it also makes a lovely compact houseplant.

Frond Condition: Evergreen (as a houseplant or in warm conditions like zones 9-12) to Semi-evergreen or Deciduous in colder or more marginal conditions

Mature Size: 12” with cascading fronds

Root type: decentralized spreading rhizome puts individual fronds up rather than having a central crown or caudex

Reproduction type: Monomorphic, producing indusia along the abaxial margins

Origin: Cultivar of the Delta Maidenhair Fern which is native to the Southern United States

Cultivation information: Part Sun to Part Shade or Full Shade. Prefers bright filtered light and may be less vigorous in deep shade; Lightly Moist to Moist

USDA Zones: 8 (with frost protection) 9, 10, 11, 12 or as a Houseplant