---
title: Wardian case: a Victorian fern case terrarium recipe
description: A medium sealed Victorian fern case in a wardian of 11.2 L, with 4 plants and 2 mosses. a peaked glass case like the Victorians carried ferns in Every layer,...
url: https://glassjar.garden/starter-jars/wardian-case/
---

Starter jar · medium

# Wardian case
Victorian fern case

medium · Sealed · wardian

A medium sealed Victorian fern case in a wardian of 11.2 L, with 4 plants and 2 mosses.

[Open this jar in the simulator](https://glassjar.garden/?starter=wardian_case)

## The container

- Glass: wardian, 30 x 20 cm, 20 cm tall, 11.2 L

- Note: a peaked glass case like the Victorians carried ferns in

- Lid: Sealed

## Layers, bottom to top

- [LECA (expanded clay)](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/leca/), 2 cm (1.12 L)
- [Substrate barrier mesh](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/mesh-barrier/)
- [ABG mix](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/abg-mix/), 6 cm (3.36 L)

## Stones and wood

- [Driftwood](https://glassjar.garden/guide/hardscape/driftwood/), about 12 cm

## Plants

- [Jewel orchid](https://glassjar.garden/guide/plants/ludisia-discolor/)
- [Moon Valley pilea](https://glassjar.garden/guide/plants/pilea-involucrata-moon-valley/)
- [Nerve plant](https://glassjar.garden/guide/plants/fittonia-albivenis/)
- [Peacock spikemoss](https://glassjar.garden/guide/plants/selaginella-uncinata/)

## Moss

- [Fern moss](https://glassjar.garden/guide/moss/thuidium-delicatulum/), about 30% cover
- [Baby tooth moss](https://glassjar.garden/guide/moss/plagiomnium-cuspidatum/), about 15% cover

## Cleanup crew

- 120 [Temperate white springtail](https://glassjar.garden/guide/critters/folsomia-candida/)

## Water and light

- Water at build: 1330 ml, distilled or rain

- Watering: mist only when no morning condensation

- Light: 4,000 lux, 12 h a day

- Light source: bright indirect window

## How to make it

- Pour the layers, bottom to top: LECA (expanded clay) (2 cm), Substrate barrier mesh, ABG mix (6 cm).
- Set the hardscape: Driftwood.
- Plant Jewel orchid, Moon Valley pilea, Nerve plant, Peacock spikemoss.
- Lay the moss: Fern moss over about 30% of the ground, Baby tooth moss over about 15% of the ground.
- Add the cleanup crew: 120 Temperate white springtail.
- Water with 1330 ml (distilled or rain).
- Close the lid and give it 4,000 lux, 12 h a day: bright indirect window.

[Open this jar in the simulator](https://glassjar.garden/?starter=wardian_case)

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