Creating Lush Lemon Button Fern Terrariums in Perfect Conditions

Creating a Lush Lemon Button Fern Terrarium

Terrariums are miniature indoor gardens enclosed in glass containers. They allow you to create a tiny slice of nature right in your own home. Lemon button ferns are a perfect choice for terrarium gardening. Their lush green foliage and compact size make them ideal for displaying in these mini gardenscapes.

Benefits of Lemon Button Fern Terrariums

Lemon button ferns (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii') are a cultivar of the tropical sword fern. They are native to moist tropical forests but adapt well to terrarium conditions. Some key benefits of using lemon button ferns for terrariums include:

• Compact growth habit - These ferns only reach about 12 inches tall, so they don't overgrow small terrariums.
• Attractive fronds - The lemon-shaped leaflets give them a beautiful, ruffled appearance.
• Low maintenance - Require little care besides occasional watering and misting.
• Thrive in humidity - The enclosed terrarium provides the high humidity these ferns need.
• Air purifying - As part of the fern family, they naturally clean indoor air.

The lush, cascading foliage of lemon button ferns creates a miniature rainforest environment inside a terrarium. Their bright green color and unique leaves provide visual interest while remaining small enough to display on a desk or table.

Choosing a Terrarium Container

Lemon button ferns can thrive in open or closed terrariums. An open terrarium allows more air circulation while a closed terrarium holds in more humidity. Some factors to consider when selecting a terrarium container include:

• Size - Opt for a larger terrarium, around 12-24 inches wide, to accommodate fern growth. Make sure it is not too tall.
• Shape - A spheroid or cylindrical shape allows more interior space than a cube design.
• Material - Glass or acrylic containers retain humidity well. Avoid metal frames that can rust.
• Lid - Hinged lids provide easy access. Clear glass or plastic tops let in adequate light.
• Drainage - A drainage layer of gravel, pebbles or charcoal prevents root rot.

Look for a terrarium with ventilation for airflow but that can also hold in moisture. The container material and lid help create the ideal microclimate for lemon button fern growth.

Assembling the Terrarium Layers

A proper terrarium setup includes several layers to ensure good drainage and replicate a tropical forest floor. Follow these steps for assembling the layers in sequence:

1. Add 0.5-1 inch of drainage material such as pebbles, gravel or activated charcoal.
2. Place a permeable barrier like mesh or cheesecloth over the drainage layer.
3. Spread 2-3 inches of an organic potting mix formulated for tropical plants.
4. Cover the soil with a thin layer of moss to help retain moisture.

This layered construction allows excess water to percolate through the soil while elevating the plants above standing water. The gravel layer aerates the roots while the moss layer keeps the environment humid like a rainforest.

Selecting Terrarium Plant Companions

The lush lemon button ferns will make up the bulk of the plant material. But adding a few companion plants creates a more diverse indoor garden. Some great terrarium mates for lemon button ferns include:

• Tillandsias (air plants)
• Peperomia
• Pilea
• Small orchids
• Cryptanthus (earth stars)
• Pellaea rotundifolia (button fern)
• Marimo moss balls
• Selaginella (spikemoss)

Choose a variety of foliage colors, shapes and textures to complement the lemon button ferns. Miniature tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid conditions work best. Place taller plants towards the back and lower-growing species near the front of the terrarium.

Planting and Maintaining the Terrarium

Once you've layered in drainage materials and soil, it's time to add the plants. Gently loosen the root balls of the lemon button ferns and companion plants before arranging them in the terrarium. Allow enough space between plants for good air circulation and growth. Lightly water the terrarium after planting.

Caring for a lemon button fern terrarium simply involves maintaining proper moisture and humidity:

• Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Use a spray bottle to avoid over-watering.
• Mist the ferns daily to boost humidity. Wipe excess moisture from glass walls.
• Keep the terrarium out of direct sunlight, which can overheat it.
• Open the lid occasionally to allow air exchange and prevent mold.
• Remove any dead foliage to keep plants looking fresh.
• Prune ferns if they become overgrown and re-pot in new soil annually.

Proper lighting, watering, and ventilation will keep your lemon button fern and companions healthy and vibrant in the terrarium.

Ideal Conditions for Lemon Button Fern Terrariums

Lemon button ferns thrive when provided with the right growing conditions. Replicating a tropical rainforest environment inside your terrarium will keep these ferns flourishing.

Temperature

Lemon button ferns prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Avoid drafty areas and don't place the terrarium near heating vents. Higher humidity helps compensate for temperatures on the cooler end of the range. Move the terrarium to a warmer spot if ferns decline in growth.

Lighting

These ferns grow best in bright, indirect lighting. Place them near an east or west facing window where they will receive gentle sunlight in the morning or evening. North facing windows also provide suitable bright, indirect light. Avoid direct southern exposure which can overheat the terrarium.

Watering

Lemon button ferns require consistently moist soil. Water when the top inch becomes dry, taking care not to oversaturate. The drainage layer will ensure excess water drains away from plant roots. Use room temperature purified or distilled water to prevent salt and mineral buildup.

Humidity

Humidity is key! Lemon button ferns thrive at 60-80% relative humidity, similar to their native tropical habitat. Close the terrarium lid and mist ferns daily to maintain humid conditions. Or place the open terrarium on a pebble tray filled with water to increase local moisture levels.

Air Circulation

While high humidity is important, the terrarium still needs adequate air flow. Allow for ventilation by leaving the lid partially open. Move stale air out and bring in fresh air to prevent disease. Also open the lid for 30-60 minutes each week to change out air.

Drainage

Excess moisture should be able to drain out of the bottom of the terrarium. A drainage layer of gravel, pebbles or charcoal covered by permeable mesh prevents root rot. Check that water drains freely through the soil and doesn't become waterlogged.

Choosing the Best Lemon Button Fern for Your Terrarium

When selecting a lemon button fern for your terrarium, look for a healthy plant with vibrant green fronds. Here are some tips for picking the ideal specimen:

Frond Color

Choose a fern with bright, lime green fronds without any yellowing, browning, or wilting. Avoid plants with pale or washed out color indicating poor health.

Frond Density

Select a fuller fern with many intricately ruffled fronds along the stems rather than sparse growth. Denser foliage will showcase the lemon button fern's appealing form.

Plant Size

Look for a small, young plant under 6 inches tall that will adapt well to the terrarium habitat. More mature, larger plants with multiple clumps may outgrow the space.

Root System

Check that the fern's roots are light colored and firm, not mushy or blackened. This indicates the roots are healthy and capable of supporting plant growth.

No Pests/Disease

Inspect the fern closely for signs of pests like spider mites or scale. Also look for any diseased spots on fronds. Select a vigorous specimen with no pest or disease issues.

Planting Container

Choose a fern sold in a nursery pot rather than a decorative planter. This allows examining the root system to assess health before planting in the terrarium.

Starting with a vigorous, small lemon button fern free of problems will give your terrarium the best chance of success. Follow the care tips outlined to help your fern thrive!

FAQs

How much light do lemon button ferns need?

Lemon button ferns grow best in bright, indirect light. Place the terrarium near an east or west facing window where it will receive gentle morning or evening sun. Avoid direct southern exposure which can overheat the terrarium.

What temperature is best for a lemon button fern terrarium?

Lemon button ferns prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep the terrarium away from drafty areas and heating vents which may cause temperature extremes. Higher humidity can compensate for cooler temperatures.

How often should I water a lemon button fern terrarium?

Check the soil moisture daily and water when the top inch becomes dry. Use room temperature distilled water and avoid oversaturating the soil. Allow excess water to drain out through the drainage layer.

What are good terrarium companion plants?

Great companions for lemon button ferns include tillandsias, peperomia, pilea, orchids, cryptanthus, button ferns, marimo moss balls, spikemoss, and other tropical plants suitable for terrarium culture.

How do I increase humidity for my lemon button fern?

Mist the terrarium daily to boost humidity levels. Keep the lid closed but open periodically for air circulation. Place the open terrarium on a pebble tray filled with water to increase local humidity around the plants.