Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - October 05, 2009
From: Bay Point, CA
Region: California
Topic: Ferns
Title: Fertilizer for Maidenhair Fern in Bay Point CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Is it possible to feed a Maidenhair Fern the same plant food as a African Violet? I use Schultz African Violet Plus.ANSWER:
Since our specialty is plants native not only to North America but to the area in which they are being grown, we don't know much about African violets, which are native to (of course) Africa. Adiantum capillus-veneris (common maidenhair) is native to California and, in fact, is shown as growing in the vicinity of Contra Costa County by this USDA Plant Profile. Ordinarily, we don't consider it necessary to do much fertilizing of plants native to the area, because they are already accustomed to growing in the climate and soil. However, if you are growing them as container plants, they should probably have a yearly application of a 10-20-10 garden food; that is, 10% nitrogen, 20% phosphorus and 10% potassium. We did check on what was recommended for African violets, and they apparently prefer a 20-20-20 plant food, much more frequently applied. All you have to do is read the label of any commercial fertilizer preparation you pick up, and it will tell you what the proportions are. We doubt that the African violet fertilizer you are using now would hurt the maidenhair fern, but don't overdo it!
From the Image Gallery
More Ferns Questions
Plant that can move from outside to inside for Denton, TX
December 14, 2008 - I am looking for a plant that is either native to Texas or is well acclimated to the Denton TX area that can move from a covered outside area to an adjacent indoor area behind large glass walls, to a ...
view the full question and answer
Understory plants for Tuolumne Co., CA
May 14, 2007 - My driveway is lined with purple plum trees. I would like to grow something underneath them. What can I grow that will not harm the root system/health of the trees?
view the full question and answer
Identification of small purplish/pink flower with ferny leaves
March 13, 2011 - There is a totally adorable tiny flower blooming right now in my lease pasture near the Cedar Park Center in Cedar Park, TX. It has a rosette of 2"-3" ferny leaves circling a very tiny (1/4") purp...
view the full question and answer
Chemical Weed Control in Lady Ferns in North Carolina
August 12, 2014 - Lady Fern (Athyrium filix femina): What herbicide may I use for weeds in a new bed of Lady fern.
view the full question and answer
Container plants for cool weather in Cypress TX
October 02, 2011 - I am a novice gardener and I am looking for some ideas on potted plants for the fall/winter. They would be covered by a roof, but still susceptible to the elements. What can be planted now that will...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |