Paradox Moonwort Plant Care
Botrychium paradoxum W.H.Wagner
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Botrychium paradoxum is a species of fern in the family Ophioglossaceae known by the common name peculiar moonwort. It is native to North America, where there are scattered occurrences in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Shade to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Paradox Moonwort?
Paradox Moonwort grows best in shade to partial shade.
Where Is the Paradox Moonwort Native To?
What Is the Paradox Moonwort?
Paradox Moonwort (Botrychium paradoxum) belongs to the Ophioglossaceae family within the Botrychium genus. Paradox Moonwort is native to North America. Paradox Moonwort is also known as Paradox Grape Fern.
Paradox Moonwort displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Paradox Moonwort produces small, inconspicuous spore-bearing structures.
What Light Does the Paradox Moonwort Need?
Paradox Moonwort thrives in shade to partial shade. Avoid placing Paradox Moonwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Shade to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Paradox Moonwort?
Well-draining, humus-rich soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Paradox Moonwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Paradox Moonwort?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Paradox Moonwort?
Paradox Moonwort can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to daisy-leaf grape fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Paradox Moonwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Paradox Moonwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Paradox Moonwort?
Paradox Moonwort is susceptible to not commonly affected by pests. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Paradox Moonwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Botrychium genus — compare its care with other Botrychium species on PlantoScan.
Botrychium is part of the Ophioglossaceae plant family — browse all Ophioglossaceae genera and species.
Paradox Moonwort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Botrychium Species
Other Botrychium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Botrychium paradoxum W.H.Wagner, family Ophioglossaceae (first published in Amer. Fern J. 71: 24, figs (1981)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Paradox Moonwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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