Struggling with Maidenhair Fern — would appreciate advice

I want to be honest: I'm not getting great results with Maidenhair Fern and I'm not entirely sure why. root bound stunting in pots left too long without repotting has been a recurring problem despite my attempts to address it. I've been focusing on positioning in shade or dappled light away from direct sun based on everything I've read.

prehistoric elegance with delicate layered fronds is there in glimpses, which tells me the plant has potential in my conditions. I have it in a woodland garden understorey planting which might not be ideal. full lush canopy through summer showed some improvement. Two stars for now — not the plant's fault, but not a success yet. I'll update if things improve.