FERNS FOR TERRARIUM OR BOTTLE GARDENS
By Darla Harris | The Fern Plantation | Texas Gulf Coast Fern Society
Who does not love that pop of nature in our homes, but growing plants in our humidity free homes in the Houston area can be a challenge. Glass containers can be found everywhere, stores carry miniature items, and the variety of ferns is amazing.
To name just a few, left to right below:
Getting started:
- A suitable container that can be sealed glass works best but a clear plastic can work too. With lid, plastic wrap or a clear plate.
- Perlite. Helps to prevent over watering. Place in the bottom of the container.
- Charcoal. Keeps the soil sweet. On top of the perlite or mix together.
- Potting mix (moisten and microwave for 10 minutes on high let cool) or sphagnum moss. Evenly moist not wet.
- Place your fern into the soil mix.
Maintaining your terrarium:
- Don’t over water. You should see condensation on the lid. If there is a lot of condensation may take the lid off part way and let it dry out some.
- Don’t under water. If you do not see any condensation use a spray bottle of water and spray the sides of the container. Just moist.
- Don’t fertilize your ferns. If you do see discoloration you can use 1/4 strength even number fertilizer. Temperature best about 70 to 80 degrees.
- Light you can place on a window seal provided it is not a west window. You can use artificial light by using a table lamp or fluorescent light.
- Do not place your terrarium on a heat source such as a TV or heater.
A sealed terrarium should be check for water every six months unless you see an issue with the condensation. If you should see a buildup of salt (a white crusting of the soil) just remove the affected soil and replace with fresh.
