Culture for best commercial production:
Light: Not critical...filtered shade to part day sun as long as the sun isn't mid-day sun.
Temperature: 60º to low 80º's (for production).
Feed: 100 ppm Nitrogen and pH 5.8 to 6.4. Note: Try a winter feed with less ammonia nitrogen that has a source of magnesium and calcium. Scott's Excel 15-5-15 or similar would be a good choice. Not necessary to feed once they are planted in the ground.
Water: Keep moist but not wet. The trick to good "Button Ferns" is correct water balance.
Potting Mix: Mix should have some peat for ion exchange capacity but should drain well. In the ground they are much more forgiving and will even withstand brief periods of drought.
Pest Control: Not generally bothered by pests. Scale prevention may be needed where there is some source (such as citrus groves nearby). Orthene(r) plus Talstar(r) work well.
Schedule: (starting with a Santa Rosa Tropicals plug)
4" pot - 7 to 10 weeks.
6" pot - 9 to 14 weeks.
8" pot - 8 to 12 weeks from a 4" pot.
1 gallon - 10 to 16 weeks from a 4".
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