DIY Self-Watering Fern Mountain Table Top Planter

I absolutely love ferns. And while they're by no means difficult to care for, they can be somewhat temperamental. It turns out or at least from what I've seen, that ferns thrive in an elaborate setup with flowing water.
Upfront it probably seems like a lot of work, but it pays off long-term. This is a very low-maintenance type of design that requires very minimal upkeep. You just need to top off the water and occasionally trim the plants.
Anyway, I think this is a really cool build. What do you think? Let me know down in the comments.
00:00 Intro
00:30 Container Preparation
01:34 Hardscaping in the Dojo
03:24 Scape Selection
04:32 Building a Pump Reservoir
06:24 Moving the Rocks
07:02 Light Installation
08:27 Pump and Waterfall Details
09:48 Addressing the Tray
10:42 Planting the Design
12:08 Finished Project
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[@SerpaDesign]

Sorry for the later upload. I found some issues in my first edit and had to re-upload as soon as I was about to go live today. Anyway, I love keeping ferns in setups like this and as I said in the video, it can actually be easier than traditional means. If you're looking to make a unique piece and love plants, I highly recommend giving it a try!

[@VinlandAlchemist]

@jelly Brisendine Truth!! 🙂

[@silasfoulon]

I think Anbias nana petit would fit wel here in this thank

[@silasfoulon]

It looks graet, I love it

[@fabriglas]

Quality over quantity mate!

[@rgilroy1909]

ok lets talk evaporation. How often are you "topping off"? I just built something similar, planted around the base and no pump. but I'm having to "top off" every day. set up holds half gallon

[@alk9191]

Hi Tanner - I think it would be awesome if you could do a setup with just orchids. It would be really cool if each orchid blooms during different seasons, so that way the terrarium is blooming all year round.

[@roguewolf7053]

Love this idea! ❤ I want to do something with a mix of different types jasmine, honeysuckle & either orchids or a center piece of hibiscus. However I’m only a novice when it comes to indoor plants & I know both hibiscus & particularly many orchids can be very temperamental. Plus quality versions of either aren’t cheap in my area. I may stick with the jasmine & honeysuckle on a larger build but place ferns or something removable where I would like to place the other flowers. So that once I feel knowledgable enough it will be easy to add them.

[@AngelaABrown-cd8kd]

GREAT IDEA!!!! I Would love to see orchid in a vivarium and/or paludarium. 👍

[@ElaineTaylor95]

Update after watching: This is a beautiful build! I like the gap between the rocks and the way the ferns hug and then flourish away from them. I want a rabbit's foot fern, but my wife isn't planty and is afraid of killing such a needy plant if I go away and leave it in her care for a few days. Maybe a waterfall build will be the solution!

[@rebekahkasper6126]

If it helps, rabbit foot ferns are super easy to care for and don’t need any special watering or humidity. Their care is more like a pothos than a fern!

[@beacurnearecurvata188]

I don't know what kind of climate you live in but I live in Sweden and I have a rabbits foot fern hanging maybe a metre or two away from my east facing window and I can say that this plant is without a doubt THE EASIEST PLANT I've ever owned! I water it once a week. Not too much water. Don't water at the roots. Try to water between roots. If I forget to water it the roots start drooping but give it water and the roots will move its way up again (the roots are always hanging, sometimes droopily, but when recently watered the roots are starting to "caress" the pot). I've had mine for about 4-5 years now and amazingly enough this plant has barely dropped a leaf! I'm not kidding when I say that my rabbit foot fern has probably not even lost more than 10 fullgrown leaves during all these years. I think the number is closer to 5! Only when I've been very lazy with watering have leaves started dying. It's an amazing plant and it is my absolute favourite out of all my 30-ish plants beacause of 1. how odd it looks (it's a showstopper and will certainly be a topic of conversation when you have guests over) and 2. because of how easy it is to care for it and 3. the fact that the roots move. That makes this plant endearinly creepy. I definitely think you should give the rabbits foot fern a try! 🌱💚 I would wish you good luck if I had too😜

[@ElaineTaylor95]

@@beacurnearecurvata188 This is the sweetesst and most thoughtful response. I am delighted. I will see how my climate compares and maybe I can get my wishlist plant!!

[@MrsBJPalmer]

@@ElaineTaylor95 I agree with the first 2 lovely replies! Rabbits Foot fern is very hardy, just follow the directions for planting and don't let the water level get too low to where the pump can't get enough water.. Once you have it established, and know the watering schedule your design and plants require, its simple to water as experience tells you- once a week, or as the tray level drops, etc... Best of luck! BTW- I LOVE this design!! I've kept this fern and many others for years! This I must make!! Thank you Tanner @SerpaDesign, for a design I can make, and satisfy my fern fever!!

[@stonedpoe2936]

Honestly get a reptile tank and rabbits foots flourish I had a few in frog and salamander tanks

[@philcarlino6942]

Tanner, I have no idea how week after week you come out with these creative and amazing builds. You have a true talent. Thank you for taking us along on your journey. This one turned out amazing! Take care.

[@VinlandAlchemist]

Way cool! I love how the hugeness of the rocks and the shallowness of the base are not at all at odds with each other - this is a very beautiful build! 🙂

[@pim4686]

Hi Tanner, have you ever considered growing a mango seedling? They are, in my personal opinion, quite beautiful and unique looking plants. They do really well in humid, semi warm environments as well, so the conditions you have in most setups seem suited to them. Anyway, keep up the great work! I have enjoyed your videos for a few years now and you never cease to amaze.

[@ludwigSamo]

thats a great idea!!

[@sal-1337]

he said he likes making his builds low maintainace so he has moare time to spend on others. since its a tree wouldnt it outgrow its enclosure in less than a few months? i assume a big seed like that will sprout as strong as an avocado

[@pim4686]

@@sal-1337 Mangos don't grow that fast from what I have experienced while having them. The initial start is fast, so you'll get about 10 inch tall plant quite quickly. Probably due to the fact it comes from a big seed like you said. But after that it develops slower. It will, under the right circumstances, even produce red leaves as new growth. Also it takes around 8 years before it would even start growing fruit, if it starts growing fruit at all lol. Most mangoes you find in stores are hybrids and the mango tree needs perfect conditions for it to grow fruit. But they can be easily kept as house plants despite them originally being fruit trees.

[@lillianfulgham7698]

That’s a cool idea! One thing that’s fascinating to me and could affect others who are sensitive-mangoes and cashews are in the same family as poison ivy and some individuals can have a reaction from coming in contact with them. There was a mango tree in my university’s tropical collection that I helped curate; one of the other students got a rash every time he went in the greenhouse! XD

[@noahcooper5969]

@@lillianfulgham7698 that is actually really interesting, I didn't know that woe

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

At the right place and at the right time too 😀

[@AvenRox]

I have spent 30 minutes trying to watch this 13 min video because my connection keeps dropping out and buffering every five seconds, but it's worth it to see this project come together

[@AlvPower]

I love the way your channel has evolved. When I started watching you a couple of years ago, your videos was slow but steady with relaxing music an many closed terrariums. Then you started expanding your work to other mediums. But then I feel like the channel reached an awkward teenage phase. Your videos started to be more energetic but you as a person was still very slow but steady. But now I feel like your language is more in tune with the feel of the videos! I must congratulate you on your progress and skill as an artist and KZbinr. I very much enjoy watching you and have been enjoying the evolution of this channel!

[@jdccarl3321]

do not ever be sorry for late uploads. with the quality you provide i will cherish every upload you choose too share. ❤️

[@geolyxtra]

It is incredible how much work you put into these videos and they're all top quality! It just blows my away that you upload once a week, keep doing what you're doing because you're making a whole lot of people happy!

[@cobyporschifer221]

SWEET ! A very cool piece of nature to put in your home. 👍Good Vibes 👣

[@leemasters3592]

And this is why I'm up at 12:30am, because I know there's another beautiful build to see.

[@avallon-sapphirependragane5498]

Dear Mr. Tanner, I love to watch your videos. I am housebound by being over-medicated by a Doctor with too high a strength of pain meds. I am not able to go out of the house. I used to raise African violets. From the largest to the very small ones. I would like to see a scape using the very small ones to make a fairy village, or just a fairy house and yard. I forgot to tell you they all so come in trailing and variegated leaves. Again thank you for your videos. It helps pass many hours. Avollon-Sapphire.

[@matteobiasi8540]

I always wanted to do something just like this, with a big chunk of lava rock, ferns and moss al over it. Now that i've seen you do it just like i wanted, i can see that it is really an outstanding piece to have inside your house. Should be my next work, thanks for the inspiration!

[@HomemadeEcosystems]

I need a dojo to try and build some stuff myself. Looks great!

[@jaranth]

Hi Tanner... I've noticed that you have MANY pumps and MANY lights... a video on how you do your electrical systems would be helpful. Your videos, as always, are wonderful.

[@Rodolfobia]

I love how you make great videos and don't need 40 mins to do it.

[@parmerapps69]

Hey Tanner! Great video as always - I love the fern + cryptanthus look. 😌 Have you ever considered making a video on some of your favorite terrarium/vivarium/paludarium plants, detailing why you like each one and what setups they're good in? I think something of the sort would be greatly appreciated with all the beginners in the hobby (including myself). It would also offer a great opportunity to show off some of your cinematography skills. 🙂Thank you for your work!

[@tessahryhoriw6745]

This is a great idea for a video!

[@katylagan9631]

You are in my top 10 fav artists of all time

[@mimsie3875]

I like the hole in the centre of the composition and the way the plants curve from the top right to the bottom left, makes the whole thing flow nicely.

[@liasanma1665]

Tanner being the creator of beautiful things!

[@xfatalxflawx]

Another excellent build! I enjoy watching you overcome design challenges so much. I always second guess my DIY fixes with the thinking that a simple solution can't be good enough. Then I see you fix a light issue with black paint and plywood that turned out great.

[@fperez988]

I watch a ton of these build videos , and every time I really fall in love with a design, it’s yours. You really have a talent for making things that I stumble across out in nature itself. Keep up the inspiration and thanks for the videos.

[@Grace-er9ep]

I go to bed early on Friday just so Saturday comes faster. This is hands down my favorite KZbin channel

[@jamesharvey3174]

Definitely getting New Zealand vibes from this one, so beautiful

[@ChallengetheWild]

Omg, I saw those containers at target and thought of what you could do with it haha!! Love it

[@jeepism67]

Great for those that the we live with that aren’t plant savvy, this gives me an idea about a living wall with rocks added. Thanks for giving us great ideas to spice up our indoor areas.

[@string-bag]

You have the eye of an artist and your production quality is off the charts. Bravo

[@ReillyPerovich]

This is a great video and project! If there is one thing I would ask you to add is an approximate cost when you list a new material and then a total cost at the end (also a the beginning could be good) Like when you mention the light or pump, it would be great to see (~49.99$) or something comes up in text on the screen or have you say it out loud, could really help new hobbyists figure out if this is something they want to attempt!

[@ukulelewars7128]

Every time you make a video I go “this is the one, he’s out done himself,” and then you post another video and it’s even better. You are a true inspiration!

[@charleyedwards2121]

the "dojo" is SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCH a cool idea man

[@detachedutopia7281]

I’ve been subscribe before the 20,000, 100,000 mark and so on this is why. The work is amazing, inspiring and simply beautiful.

[@CK-solutions]

I love how you're subconsciously sculpted the spiral patterns found in nature, into the stones, plants and wood - even down to the lower plants in the substrate with a spiral frond growing pattern!

[@themurrrr]

My thoughts on this is that you are an artist and nature is your paint ♥️

[@torquess454]

Reminds me of the walking paths to Hawaiian waterfalls, stunning 😍

[@tonybezanson9625]

Tanner, you should totally do something like this with butterworts. I think that would look awesome 👌

[@druidadehorus]

It's definitely the best set up to grow ferns on!

[@theshades7147]

That is the coolest thing i've seen with plants. Use to grow them but didn't have the energy and time to do it anymore. But this build makes me want to have them again. Looks fresh and complements a room nicely with some nice water noise and a pleasant scent. On my bucket list!

[@theshades7147]

Where would you recommand getting the rocks and plants?

[@Thehorrorwhore]

Everything you make ends up looking so beautiful

[@alexbuzas918]

one of the best builds i have seen in months

[@natereinhold6180]

I love to keep rabbit foot ferns in this same type of setup! I also keep it in our built in bay window planter, in dryer conditions. It is a very versatile fern to keep!

[@theocloete4320]

I was legit waiting 😂

[@janinebean4276]

I love all the contrast in colour, depth, and texture! It’s gorgeous. I would love to see how it grows

[@finnwiggles28]

omg, I want this piece in my house SO Much!!! I wish you had a Gallery where people could purchase your living artwork!

[@janedahlin901]

I love the ferns! Reminds me of the Olympic rainforest we have here in Washington. Beautiful work :)

[@Myssi98]

Omg, Tanner, you have such a precious fan-base. 😭 your videos are binge-worthy, and those supporting you give you valuable feedback on your builds!! 🥲 great job!

[@vincent4587]

Only 30 seconds in, but I gotta say, the 500 gallon terrarium in the background has filled out beautifully!

[@marniecummings2511]

It's a beautiful build. It's reminding me of kindness, like someone reaching down to help someone...ty for sharing ur creativity with us!

[@jeffpark9189]

It's a great design! It leads your eye from the top and then down with the roots and ferns.

[@othernaturenate]

I think I'm going to upscale this project to make a patio fountain. Love it so much. Thank you for going to the work to record and share the process of making your beautiful art.

[@tammyjeffres8155]

Wow! Loved this. I have never been able to grow Rabbits Fern successfully in my terrarium. I may have to try this!

[@cherishireland9194]

This was stunning. I love Ferns! Your dojo is super nifty! How doing an amazing job👌🥰

[@MrsMommy001]

This has topped my "favorite's" list. Well done!

[@NeoNovastar]

Ahh I love how this turned out. It reminds me a lot of Azu's work, but with a bit of your flair. Love it!

[@mimijones9083]

Absolutely Looooove this one! You got some magic btween your ears hun, and I so appreciate that your hands and eyes are able to make it come to life! 😃👍🏻 Pay it forward! ✌🏼

[@georgehogben2774]

beautiful scape and cinematography, im going to adapt this idea to make a deeper and wider betta habitat that i think my betta wil love. thank you

[@jasonshirrillmusic]

a great looking project, and yes, I have killed several of those ferns until finally learned how not to. the key is misting them every day keeping them moist not deep watered bust moist.

[@muhammadumer1276]

U are my favorite KZbinr Tanner ♥️

[@krowkovtuber]

he’s such a humble genius

[@danielminuk993]

My 8 year old loves these concept designs! Which are far better videos for him to watch than some of the other stuff out there. Keep up the great work!!

[@Loffredom]

Looking good Tanner!

[@Smokie1969]

You're very artistic and creative. This type of thing would make an ideal gift for someone who is impossible to buy for! LOVE IT! 😍🥰

[@francocasentieri932]

AAWESSOME One - and a piece of ART. Loved the presentation and the Step by Step Visuals and Explanations.

[@alabasterkros]

Ferns and moss are the best! This build rocks! Cheers for always being interesting and sharing your talent.^^

[@jackiec9062]

love your designs, I did A couple of small ones and my little nephews love seeing the spring tails and wood lice. Luv from UK 🇬🇧

[@jackwinter5421]

This is an exceptionally beautiful feature tanner! Watching you make these creations in utterly enchanting.

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

Awesome! I quite like ferns. Looks almost like some kind of tropical island or jungle cliffs.

[@twentytwo138]

I really respect this guy's hobby. You can clearly tell how passionate he is about it. It's probably not a hobby that i could do everyday, it seems quite tedious. But it's not tedious for him, he makes it easy and surely enjoys it!

[@joshmertens4586]

You are a true talent. You are also very good at producing the videos themselves!

[@jivoochi]

Wow, I think this may be your best work yet.

[@michoz6513]

I really enjoyed how you filmed and edited this video. This is a little bit different from what I have watched before. Keep up your good work!!

[@ItsTheHood]

I would LOVE a video where you discuss the most popular plants used in aquariums and terrariums. What kind of soil and light they like and helpful tips like leaving the fluffy part of the fern above the water! I know you talk about them in each video but having one video to turn to for helpful hints would be awesome!

[@andystevens7557]

This might be my favorite one of your videos

[@chriszurawski2728]

Love your vision you have with bringing nature in side love your videos

[@londoeblack]

You never cease to amaze me. Your creativity is astounding!

[@Hyphae_Foray]

Looks good Tanner. I do like the look of ferns in setups

[@jimmychen6329]

Hi Tanner. You're such an inspiration. What you're doing on this channel is literally my childhood dream. I've always been obsessed with nature for as long as I can remember. I will be creating vivariums one day too!!! Thank you Tanner!!

[@petekiki9129]

Awesome! Ferns are amazing, I love builds with them!

[@beautyisntperfect]

So I have a plastic tray that used to have one of those large Ferraro Roche trays. My mother in law used to buy them for my husband at Christmas every year. This tray was the last batch that she bought. I've been saving it to do something with, and I think this is an excellent use of said tray. Thanks for the idea Tanner.

[@trialbyfirepyrography321]

That is beautiful! I love the large lava rock that you used.

[@dtylice]

I see myself making this one, Tanner. Thank you 😘

[@kajalsingh9554]

I love ferns, and think that this display is awesome.

[@jiggermole]

I really like the look of this one. Flowing water on a flowing substrate. It has a really pleasing overall shape to it.

[@Qadupae]

"I think it looks pretty cool. What do you think?" Dude, everything you make is amazing

[@margarethwlodarski4777]

So gratifying to see your vision come to life Thanks for sharing 💐

[@Nomadistar]

Note to self...just put all your plants in water & surely some will live. Great vid.

[@Future9]

This is one of my favorites Tanner!! Well done

[@cbvickers4044]

LOVE it Tanner.....my fav so far of your table scapes!

[@HieuNguyen-lr3ot]

Great build. The arrangement of dragon root is fantastic and while it will fade and darken over time moss will help it stand out from the rock. I wish there was a way to keep reddish-gold colors. The water pump and tubing are overkill for such a small setup. You can buy micro water pumps these days and hook them up to standard airline tubing. They're much easier to hide than the one you're using.

[@georgejones8026]

Thanks for giving me ideas on new ways of displaying my plants.

[@markielpilos]

This really reminds me of ASU's builds! Absolutely stunning

[@dr.guppy3467]

Very amazing. 👍 An other way to fix PVC is it to weld the edges using a soldering iron.

[@mehressagreen4615]

Hi Tanner, your content has levelled up recently and I like getting to appreciate your high scale, out of the park professional builds, as the contrasting small scale feasible builds for me as a casual. They're also so soothing.

[@jjfrank]

What I would really love is a video of some of your older scapes with before and after of how they've grown in since their original videos. What was successful, what failed, what have you changed, exc.

[@Kaalokalawaia]

Gorgeous as always. One of these days I will make one of these.

[@jon2000sun]

Definitely my favourite scape for a while!

[@chericasselberry6660]

What a stunning scape, and low maintenance too! Thank you for your educational and inspirational videos!

[@craftcrumbs]

This is absolutely beautiful!!!! Well done as always

[@yarrasadventures7239]

I will let u know what I think you are unreal mate the stuff U create is just amazing thank u for sharing and look forward to all the uploads U have to come in the future 👍