Honest review: Maidenhair Fern is rewarding but scale insects on the undersides of fronds is real

Maidenhair Fern is a genuinely satisfying plant to grow, but I want to be upfront about one thing: scale insects on the undersides of fronds. I've dealt with it twice now and it takes consistent attention to manage.

Beyond that, dramatic unfurling fiddle-head growth in spring makes it one of my favourites in the collection. I keep it in a fern wall or vertical garden in a shaded courtyard which suits it well. Learning about removing dead fronds cleanly at the base in spring has been essential. frond dieback in winter for deciduous species is worth waiting for — the plant really justifies itself then. Four stars because of that persistent issue.