---
title: "How to Water a Maidenhair Fern"
description: "Learn the best ways to water your Maidenhair fern, including top watering, bottom watering, and water baths. Ensure healthy growth by checking soil moisture and avoiding overwatering."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/maidenhairfern"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:40.986Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:07:15.430Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/9yvdpvQETZGkImMRMJPRDw.webp?size=large"
---

# How to Water a Maidenhair Fern

## How to water

Feel the soil; it should be a bit moist but not wet when watering it again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers, if water seeps out it's still wet.

**If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.**

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/9yvdpvQETZGkImMRMJPRDw.webp?size=large)

## Water over the soil

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

> Even if the Maidenhair Fern loves water it can still get overwatered so make sure it's planted in a pot with drainage holes and the soil isn't soggy / really wet before adding more water.  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/k3_rI32LSPGs7DHum10NiQ.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

### Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## Water bath

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put the plant back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that the plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

## Ofte stilte spørsmål

### How do I know when my Maidenhair fern needs water?

Check the soil; it should feel slightly moist but not wet before you water it again. If water seeps out when you squeeze the soil, it's still too wet.

### Can I bottom water my Maidenhair fern?

Yes, you can bottom water by filling a tray with water and letting the soil absorb it for 10-30 minutes until moist throughout. Remember to occasionally water from the top to prevent mineral buildup.

### What is a water bath for plants?

A water bath involves lowering the entire pot into lukewarm water until the bubbling stops, indicating the soil is saturated. Lift the pot to drain excess water, and ensure it isn't standing in water an hour later.

### What should I do after watering my Maidenhair fern?

If you use a tray, remove any collected water immediately. If you watered under a tap, wait until water stops running from the drainage holes before returning the plant.

### How do I avoid overwatering my Maidenhair fern?

Even though Maidenhair ferns love water, they can be overwatered. Always ensure the pot has drainage holes and that the soil isn't soggy or very wet before adding more water.

## How to Water a Maidenhair Fern

1. Feel the soil to determine if your Maidenhair fern needs water; it should be a bit moist but not wet.
2. Choose a watering method: pouring water over the soil, bottom watering, or giving your plant a water bath.
3. If watering over the soil, pour water until it runs from the drainage holes, then remove any collected water from the tray.
4. If bottom watering, fill the plant tray with water, let the soil absorb it for 10 to 30 minutes, then remove any excess water.
5. If using a water bath, lower the whole pot into lukewarm water until the bubbling stops, then lift it and let the excess drain off.
6. Always ensure the pot has drainage holes and never let your plant sit in standing water after watering to prevent overwatering.

---

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