Maidenhair Fern is part of the Adiantum genus that includes over 200 varieties of ferns grown around the world. The genus name is derived from the Greek word adiantos, which means "unwetted"—an apt description for the fern, since its leaves repel water. Maidenhair ferns have delicate fan-shaped leaf segments, typically clustered on wiry black stems. In addition to being a popular houseplant, maidenhair fern can also be found in nature, growing in places where other plants typically don't, like on rock walls and in between rock fissures where the moisture from water seepage keeps them alive. Though the are visually stunning throughout all stages of their growth, they are considered a slow-growing fern, typically taking up to three years to reach their full mature size.