The Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is a charming and easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its cute round leaflets. With its compact size and tolerance for occasional neglect, the button fern is an excellent choice for beginner plant parents and a great addition to any indoor jungle.
👀 Overview
Native to New Zealand, the button fern is a type of cliff brake that grows naturally on rocky cliffs and ledges. Its genus name Pellaea comes from the Greek word “pellaios” meaning “dark”, likely referring to the dark stems. The species name rotundifolia means “round-leaved”.
In the home, button ferns typically grow to around 10-15 inches tall and wide. The arching green fronds emerge from a central point, forming a loose mound. Each lacy frond is lined with paired round leaflets that start out pale green and mature to deep forest green. Older fronds take on a purple-bronze hue.
While most ferns demand high humidity and evenly moist soil at all times, the button fern is less fussy. Its leathery round leaves and creeping rhizomes help it tolerate occasional dryness better than other ferns. That being said, ideal growing conditions will keep it looking its best.
| 📖 Common name | Button Fern, Round-leaf Fern |
| 🔬 Botanical name | Pellaea rotundifolia |
| 🫴 Care Difficulty level | Easy to Moderate |
| ☠️ Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets and humans |
| 💨 Air-purifying Qualities | Moderate |
| 🌱 Soil Type and pH | Well-draining potting soil with organic matter, sand, and perlite |
| ☀️ Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect light |
| 🍪 Edibility | Non-edible |
| 🌴 Plant type | Fern |
| 🍃 Foliage Type | Evergreen |
| 🌿 Color of leaves | Dark Green |
| 🌸 Flower color | N/A |
| 💥 Bloom time | N/A |
| 🚀 Growth Speed | Moderate |
| 📏 Mature Size | 12–18 inches tall |
| 🔄 Life Cycle | Perennial |
| 🌍 Hardiness zones | 9-11 |
| 🗺️ Native area | New Zealand |
💚 Button Fern Care
Caring for button ferns requires paying attention to light, water, humidity, temperature, soil, and fertilization needs. With good care, these ferns can live for many years and may even produce baby ferns through rhizome division.
☀️ Light ☀️
Button ferns prefer bright indirect light, with some tolerance for lower light. A north or east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle ambient daylight. Direct hot sunlight will scorch the delicate foliage.
In lower light conditions, growth may slow and fronds can become sparse and leggy. Insufficient light also makes the plant more prone to irrigation issues. Move to a brighter location if growth seems stunted.
Too much light causes fronds to brown along the edges. Filter harsh sunlight with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf burn. The fern should never be in direct sun for more than an hour a day.
💧 Water
Button ferns like consistently moist soil but dislike soggy wet feet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly. The smaller the pot, the more often it will need watering.
Check soil moisture by sticking your finger in the soil. Only water when the top layer feels dry. Take care not to oversaturate the soil. Excess water will cause root rot and leaf drop.
Let excess water drain fully from the drainage holes before returning the plant to its decorative pot or tray. Never leave it sitting in a water-filled saucer.
Humidity also affects soil moisture; plants in dry air need more frequent watering. Brown leaf tips are a sign the plant needs more humidity.
🪴 Soil
Button ferns grow best in an airy, peat-based potting mix amended with perlite or sand to improve drainage. The rhizomes are prone to rot in heavy, water-retentive soil.
Avoid regular potting soil, which does not drain well enough. Opt for a commercial orchid or fern mix instead. You can make your own by mixing peat moss, perlite, and pine bark fines.
Repot every 2-3 years in fresh soil, or whenever the roots have filled the container. This prevents root bound plants.
🍼 Fertilizer
Feed button ferns with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer during active growth. Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter.
Never fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until any issues are corrected before feeding. Avoid getting fertilizer on the foliage to prevent leaf burn.
If using slow-release fertilizer pellets, only apply once in early spring. Too much fertilizer causes rampant, weak growth.
🌡️ Temperature
Button ferns thrive in average home temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid drafty locations as cold air damages the fronds. Hot dry air can also cause leaf scorching.
Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or rapid temperature swings cause leaf yellowing and dieback. In summer, they appreciate a shady spot away from hot afternoon sun.
💦 Humidity
Hailing from the humid forests of New Zealand, button ferns prefer high humidity around 60-70%. In dry indoor air, use a humidifier to increase moisture levels.
Group plants together to boost local humidity. Set pots on pebble trays filled with water, making sure the pot itself does not sit in water. Misting the fronds is less effective but can help in a pinch.
Low humidity causes fronds to brown and dry around the edges. Increase humidity immediately if you notice this.
📃 Types of Button Fern
There are no well-known varieties of Pellaea rotundifolia available. Other Pellaea species like Pellaea calomelanos (Australian cliff brake) and Pellaea falcata (sickle fern) may be available but have slightly different care needs.
🪴 Potting and Repotting Button Fern
- Use a pot with drainage holes, 1-2 inches wider than the current container. Shallow pots work better than deep ones.
- Repot in spring before the plant resumes active growth. Gently shake off old soil and divide congested rhizomes.
- Spread roots over a thin layer of potting mix. Add more mix up to 1 inch below the rim. Pack gently but don’t compress too firmly.
- Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Let excess water drain before returning the plant to its decorative pot.
- Repot every 2-3 years before the roots circle the inside of the container. Annually top dress in spring with fresh soil.
✂️ Pruning Button Fern
Button ferns rarely need pruning to control size. Any damaged or dead fronds can be snipped off as needed using sterilized scissors.
To maintain shape and fullness, trim off individual leaflets or whole fronds that look overcrowded, congested, or leggy. Do not cut into green healthy tissue.
Pruning is best done in early spring right before the growing period begins. Avoid heavy pruning which can shock the plant. Always use clean tools to prevent infection.
🌱 How to Propagate Button Fern
Button ferns are easily propagated by dividing the rhizomes when repotting. Each division must have 3-5 fronds and some roots attached.
To divide, remove the fern from its pot and carefully pry apart the root mass, slicing through any congested parts with a clean knife. Replant divisions in small pots using fresh potting mix.
Keep newly divided ferns warm and humid, watering often enough to keep the soil barely moist. Do not oversaturate. New frond growth will signal when the divisions are established.
Spores can also be harvested from the undersides of mature fronds to propagate new plants. This is trickier and takes several months.
🐛 Common Pests
Button ferns are prone to infestations of common houseplant pests like:
Aphids – Cottony white pests that cluster on stems and undersides of leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap spray or neem oil.
Mealybugs – Fluffy white bugs that leave cotton residue on plants. Remove manually and treat with alcohol-soap spray.
Thrips – Tiny black or yellow insects that cause silver streaking damage. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Scale – Hard shelled insects that drain plant fluids. Remove manually and treat with horticultural oils or soaps.
Spider mites – Tiny red spiders that form cottony webs. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and apply neem oil spray.
Check new plants closely for pests before bringing home. Maintain optimal care conditions and isolate infested plants to prevent spreading.
🩺 Common Problems With Button Fern
Leaves Turning Brown
- Low humidity causes leaf tips and edges to turn brown and crispy. Mist often or use a humidifier.
- Too much direct sun burns leaves. Move to bright indirect light.
- Underwatering makes fronds dry up and look scorched. Water more frequently.
- Overfertilizing damages roots leading to browning fronds. Flush soil to remove excess salts.
Leaves Turning Yellow
- Overwatering causes root rot leading to yellow decline. Allow soil to partly dry before watering.
- Insufficient light due to low light or dense foliage canopy. Move to a brighter location.
- Cold drafts or rapid temperature drops cause yellowing. Keep away from AC vents and open doors/windows.
- Older bottom leaves naturally yellow and drop as part of the growth process. Remove to maintain appearance.
Leaves Falling Off
- Excessive moisture leads to root and rhizome rot. Allow soil to partially dry before watering again.
- Prolonged dry air dehydrates the plant, causing leaf loss. Increase ambient humidity.
- Too much or too little water triggers leaf drop. Stick to a consistent watering routine.
- Pests like spider mites cause stippling damage and leaf loss. Inspect and treat for pests.
- Exposure to cold drafts or overheating from radiators causes leaf drop. Move plant away from temperature extremes.
Leaves Curling
- Low humidity causes fronds to curl and develop dry brown edges. Increase humidity around the plant.
- Insufficient watering leads to dehydration and crispy curling fronds. Water more regularly.
- Overly wet soil makes leaves curl under. Allow soil to partly dry out before watering.
- High fertilizer concentrations damage roots and curl leaves. Flush soil and avoid overfeeding.
🖼️ Display Ideas
The petite button fern looks charming in many spots around the home and office. Here are some tips for displaying these ferns:
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Group 3-5 button ferns together on a plant stand or shelf for a lush, full look. Keep them away from heating and cooling vents.
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Let them trail over the edges of bookcases, cabinets, and shelves. Their arching fronds look great spilling over.
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Plant one in a hanging basket near a bright window. The dangling fronds will sway gently in the breeze.
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Set a button fern on your work desk or coffee table. Keep it out of direct sun and watch for dried edges.
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Use them as bathroom plants on the counter or windowsill. The high humidity is ideal but provide good ventilation.
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Arrange them on either side of your kitchen sink for handy greenery while you wash dishes.
👍 Pro Tips for Healthy Growth
Here are some expert tips for keeping your button fern thriving:
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Water with room temperature filtered or distilled water to avoid salt and fluoride buildup.
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Wipe fronds regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and increase humidity. Avoid wetting the crown.
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Rotate the plant every few weeks so all sides get even light exposure. This prevents one-sided growth.
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If repotting in the same container, refresh the top 2 inches of soil annually to replenish nutrients.
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Inspect closely for pests like scales under the leaves which can spread quickly to other plants nearby.
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Keep the fern slightly pot-bound as the rhizomes like the congestion. Repot only when roots circle the inside.
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Talk to your fern while watering and misting! Plants grow better when talked to according to studies.
❓ FAQ
Button ferns need bright indirect sunlight for 4-6 hours per day. Avoid direct hot sun which will burn the leaves.
Use a lightweight, peat moss based potting mix amended with perlite for drainage. Avoid regular garden soil.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out, then water thoroughly. Avoid excessive dryness and soggy wet soil. Higher humidity means less frequent watering.
Button ferns do best in average room temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid cold drafts below 50°F (10°C).
Use a humidifier, set the pot on a pebble tray, or group with other plants. Misting provides temporary humidity but avoid soggy foliage.
Fertilize monthly in the growing season with diluted liquid fertilizer. Reduce feeding in winter. Never fertilize a stressed plant.
Brown tips are caused by dry air, sunburn, underwatering, and overfertilizing. Increase humidity, reduce light, water appropriately, and flush soil.
Remove any dead or damaged fronds with clean scissors or shears. Avoid over-pruning healthy green tissue which can shock the plant.
📝 Final Thoughts
With its compact size and cute round leaflets, the button fern is perfect for desks, shelves, and tabletops. Caring for these ferns is straight-forward once you get their light, water, humidity, and soil preferences right. Provide bright indirect light, moderate humidity, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture. Avoid temperature extremes and overwatering which leads to root rot. With proper care, the charming button fern will thrive indoors for years to come.
📚 Further Reading
📗 Button Fern Hub
📗 Lemon Button Fern
📚 References
📘 Pellaea rotundifolia – Missouri Botanical Garden.
📘 Button Fern – University of Florida IFAS Extension.
📘 Pellaea rotundifolia – Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.
📘 Round-leafed Cliff Brake – Government of South Australia.
