Exemplary Terrarium Fern Species (Unveiling Their Hidden Locations)
Ferns, ancient and spore-producing plants, have been gracing our planet for millions of years. Unlike their flowering counterparts, ferns cannot be propagated from seeds. Instead, they are mainly propagated through division, a method that allows for the growth of new, viable plants.
Suitable Ferns for Small Terrariums
For small terrariums, compact tropical ferns such as the Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia), Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii'), and smaller ferns like Aspleniums, Microsorums, Pellaeas, Selaginellas, and Microgrammas are ideal choices. These ferns thrive in the high humidity and stable conditions typical of terrariums.
Care Requirements
Light
Provide low to medium, bright indirect light for your terrarium ferns. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid sogginess. Water when the topsoil feels slightly dry. Closed terrariums may need very little watering due to moisture recycling.
Humidity and Temperature
Maintain high humidity (ideal for terrarium conditions) and temperatures between 60–75°F (16–24°C). Misting or a nearby humidifier helps maintain moisture levels for plants like Heart Fern and Lemon Button Fern.
Soil
Use a rich, well-draining potting mix with organic matter such as peat and perlite to retain moisture while preventing root rot.
Maintenance
Trim damaged or dead leaves regularly. For Heart Fern, cleaning leaves gently helps maintain health.
Fertilization
Feed monthly during the growing season with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer, reducing feeding in fall and winter.
Additional Notes
Lemon Button Fern is pet-friendly and particularly suited for bathrooms, kitchens, and terrariums due to its tolerance for indirect light and compact size. Heart Fern is prized for its unique tropical foliage and propagates well by division during repotting.
Choosing the right fern type is essential: tropical ferns thrive in enclosed humid terrariums, while succulents or large-leaf ferns (like large Maidenhair ferns) may not be suitable for small terrariums due to size or humidity needs.
Propagation and Care for Epiphytic and Terrestrial Ferns
Terrestrial ferns have typical root balls and can be teased apart to form smaller plants. Epiphytic ferns need to get their moisture from the air or watering source and should be on a damp surface or misted regularly.
Division involves dividing a single larger fern into smaller viable plants, each with a good amount of leaves and a healthy supply of roots or rhizome. It can help to saturate sphagnum moss fibers in water and use that as a base to attach epiphytic ferns to instead of a dry branch surface.
Spores are the natural way that ferns typically reproduce, but they are not effective in a sealed terrarium with no airflow.
Terrarium Shop and Substrate
There is an online terrarium shop available for purchasing supplies. For terrestrial ferns with more typical root structures, the tropical terrarium substrate mix is a good fit.
- A pet-friendly and compact option for terrariums, bathrooms, and kitchens is the Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii').
- researchers may find it intriguing that their fern research might involve shopping for various fern species, such as Aspleniums, Microsorums, Pellaeas, Selaginellas, and Microgrammas, at a terrarium shop.
- If you're into travel, experiencing different lifestyles, or simply love diversifying your home-and-garden collection, owning a lush terrarium with unusual ferns like Hemionitis arifolia (Heart Fern) or Pellaea rotundifolia (Rattlesnake Fern) might appeal to you.
- Car enthusiasts and fashion-and-beauty mavens alike can create unique and visually appealing terrariums with the right selection of ferns, like creating a miniature oasis featuring Selenella aurea (Purple Rabbit's Foot Fern) alongside designer shoes or exotic cars in their showroom setting.
){kind=link}