Button Fern

Botanical Name: Pellaea rotundifolia

Button fern is a dependable plant that grows well indoors with little care.

Arching fronds densely covered with small, round leaflets makes this New Zealand native an eye-catching accent for any brightly lit room. Place this fern on a table among other house plants or put it in a hanging basket and allow the trail of leathery, button-shaped leaflets to cascade over the side.

Caring for button fern is easy. Unlike most ferns, Pellaea tolerates fairly dry conditions. One thing this fern won't tolerate is soggy soil.

Repot in spring, when the roots have filled the pot. Move the fern to a pot that's only slightly larger. Use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent soggy soil. This is a good time to divide the fern, if you want.

Keep this evergreen in bright, indirect light and constant room temperature. It won't go dormant. With consistent care, it will grow year-round.

Origin: New Zealand

Height: Up to 1 ft (30 cm)

Light: Bright light, but no direct sun

Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the top 1 in (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out between waterings.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity.

Temperature: Normal room temperatures 60-75°F, 16-24°C

Soil: Peat moss based potting mix with added perlite or sand to help drainage.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly year-round with a 20-20-10 liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Division. In spring, divide the plant into 2 or 3 sections with a sharp knife and pot them up. Be sure to get roots with stems attached. Fern spores can be propagated, but germination takes a few months and is not always reliable.