Common Moonwort
botrychium lunaria
Also known as: ["Moonwort","Lunar Fern"]
Overview
A small, delicate fern-like plant with distinctive moon-shaped leaflets, belonging to the Ophioglossaceae family.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Ophioglossales |
| Family: | Ophioglossaceae |
| Genus: | Botrychium |
| Botanical Name: | Botrychium lunaria |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: shaded woodland areas or shaded garden beds with rich soil
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, as it prefers consistent soil moisture over high air humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added organic matter like leaf mold or peat moss.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once every few months or when fronds decline.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; only remove unsightly or non-viable fronds.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 4–6 hours per day; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate fronds.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun; place in a location with filtered light for optimal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; provide dappled light; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of peat, perlite, and compost; ensure good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–65°F (10–18°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoids extreme heat.
Keep away from drafts; maintain moderate temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if at all, due to its low nutrient needs
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burning; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Spores; division of rhizomes (for mature plants).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect mature spores.
- Scatter spores on sterile medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Or divide rhizomes and replant in fresh soil.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (60–70°F or 15–21°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Hormone
Not required for spore propagation; rooting hormone may help if using rhizome division.
Timeline
Spores may take several months to germinate and establish; rhizome division can produce new growth within weeks.
Tools Needed
Spore collection kit, sterile knife, pots, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain high humidity for spore germination; be patient with slow-growing spores.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual fronds at the base with clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove only dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Sharp scissors, pruners, or a clean knife.
Checklist
Remove only dead/damaged fronds; use clean tools; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, when the plant is entering its active growth phase.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or the soil degrades; typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; handle roots gently.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting the foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering significantly in fall and winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost or leaf mold for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing fronds, or stunted growth in excessive heat; browning or necrosis in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause fronds to become brittle or discolored; prolonged cold may lead to root damage.
Solution: Protect from frost and drafts; maintain consistent temperatures above 40°F (4°C); use a heating mat if necessary in very cold environments.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause fronds to wilt, scorch, or dry out; may lead to premature senescence.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; ensure adequate watering; move to a cooler location if possible.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize once a month during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicBotrychium lunaria is not considered toxic to cats. No adverse effects have been reported following ingestion by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicBotrychium lunaria is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of poisoning in dogs after ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicBotrychium lunaria is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has not been reported to cause any significant toxic effects when ingested in small quantities.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Botrychium lunaria toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How should I care for Botrychium lunaria?
A: It prefers shaded, moist environments with well-drained soil.
Q: Is Botrychium lunaria rare?
A: Yes, it is considered a rare plant and is often sought by collectors.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ophioglossaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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