Lemon Button Fern

ℹ️ Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii'

📝 COMMON NAMES:
Lemon Button Fern, Button Sword Fern, Fishbone Fern

The Lemon Button Fern is a charming, small-sized fern known for its lemony scent and delicate, arching fronds filled with button-like leaflets. It is perfect for beginners due to its easy care requirements. It's an excellent choice for adding greenery and a touch of nature to small indoor spaces.

☠️ Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets and humans
💨 Air-purifying Qualities: Yes
👍 Difficulty Level: Easy

☠️ Non-Toxic ⛅ Bright Indirect Light ✅ Low-Maintenance 🌤 Somewhat Drought-Tolerant 🌱 Terrestrial 🌳 Garden 🌴 Medium Plant 🌿 Ferns 🍋 Fragrant 👶 Beginner Difficulty 💦 High Humidity 🔅 Medium Light 🚿 Regular Watering 🛋 Living Room 🪴 Potted

Lemon Button Fern Care 101

Water

The Lemon Button Fern prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Watering needs may reduce during the winter months. It's best to use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup in the soil.

Light

This fern thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions. However, it won't do well in direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves. Artificial light can also be used to supplement natural light. During the winter, it may require less light but should still be kept in a well-lit area.

Temperature

The Lemon Button Fern prefers a temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C). It is not frost-tolerant and should be kept indoors in colder climates. High humidity is essential for this plant; around 50-70% is ideal. If the air is too dry, consider using a humidity tray or room humidifier. Misting the plant can also help maintain humidity.

Fertilizer

A balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). It's essential to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn. During the winter, reduce fertilizing to every 8-10 weeks or stop altogether. Always water the plant well before and after fertilizing.

Care and Maintenance

🌱 Soil Type and pH: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
💦 Humidity and Misting: High humidity; misting is beneficial
✂️ Pruning: Trim dead fronds
🧼 Cleaning: Dust leaves with a damp cloth
🪴 Repotting: When roots outgrow the pot
🔄 Repotting Frequency: Every 1-2 years
❄️ Seasonal Changes in Care: Lower light and water in winter

FULL CARE GUIDE

Growing Characteristics

💥 Growth Speed: Moderate
🔄 Life Cycle: Perennial
💥 Bloom Time: N/A
🌍 Hardiness Zones: 10-11
🗺️ Native Area: Australia, Southeast Asia
🛌 Hibernation: No

Propagation and Health

📍 Suitable Locations: Indoor spaces, patios, shaded gardens
🌱 Propagation Methods: Division or spores
🐛 Common Pests: Aphids, spider mites
🦠 Possible Diseases: Root rot

Plant Details

🌴 Plant Type: Fern
🍃 Foliage Type: Evergreen
🌿 Color of Leaves: Green
🌸 Flower Color: N/A
🌸 Blooming: Rarely blooms
🍪 Edibility: Not edible
📏 Mature Size: Up to 12 inches tall and wide

Taxonomy

👑 Kingdom: Plantae
🎖️ Division: Pteridophyta
🏫 Class: Polypodiopsida
📜 Order: Polypodiales
👪 Family: Nephrolepidaceae
🌿 Genus: Nephrolepis
🔬 Species: N. cordifolia 'Duffii'

Additional Info

🌻 General Benefits: Air purification
⚕️ Medical Properties: None known
☯️ Feng Shui: Represents growth and new beginnings
✨ Zodiac Sign Compatibility: Cancer
🍀 Symbolism or Folklore: Associated with protection and purification
📖 Interesting Facts: Its unique lemony scent distinguishes it from other ferns

Buying and Usage

🛒 What to Look for When Buying: Healthy fronds, no sign of pests or diseases
🌱 Other Uses: Decorative

Decoration and Styling

🖼️ Display Ideas: Hanging baskets, tabletop arrangements
🎨 Styling Tips: Pairs well with other shade-loving plants