Family: Pteridaceae
Common Name: Button fern
Botanical Name: Pellaea rotundifolia
This compact powerhouse of a fern is the solution to your former fern fails. Their low-maintenance fronds support round, deep-green leaves on arching stems, creating an airy mound of greenery. Button Fern an indoor plant is for those who want to brag to their friends that you can keep ferns alive! Button Fern gives you props by making it a little easier to feel confident! These fabulous fronds are more tolerant of dry soil, dry air, and a dry sense of humor; just saying!
Light
Most people assume ferns thrive in the shadows, but these houseplants need some light, so don't hide them in dark corners. Medium, indirect dappled light will bring out the best in them (picture them under a thick canopy of trees on a sunny day). Avoid direct sunlight, especially in the summer when the sun's rays are intense! The less light your ferns receive, the slower they will grow, and they may become leggy and thin. If you see this happening, immediately relocate your Button Fern to a brighter spot! Learn more about what light is right for your indoor plants!
Water
Ferns need constant moisture, but don't let them sit in standing water. Only certain types of wetland ferns can live in that environment. More importantly, do not neglect to water your fern. When that happens, you will find a dying Button Fern surrounded by a ring of brown, crunchy leaves. Try this little trick if you are unsure how often to water your ferns. Water frequently, but lightly. Instead of soaking your ferns once a week or whenever you water your plants. Give them a little bit every few days, or just enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. If the watering riddle still has you scratching your head, consider planting your ferns into self-watering planters, and don't forget to fill them in when they dry out!
Soil
The soil composition is critical when it comes to growing ferns! Ferns need a soil medium that can retain moisture but drain excess water to avoid the root rot. Most pre-mixed soils will suffice. Make sure that there is plenty of organic matter, like coco-coir, peat moss, or shredded leaves, and avoid soils that contain moisture retaining crystals. If your soil drains too quickly, we recommend re-potting your fern into a compost-rich soil mixture.
Temperature
Button Ferns adapt easily to most household temperatures. They prefer to live in cooler temps but can withstand temperatures into the 90's. They'll just need more water and shade during a heatwave. When the temperatures are hot and stagnant, we recommend using a fan to provide good air circulation! Moving air helps keep pests and diseases, and fungus away!
Humidity
Humidity is a MUST to keep your fern strong and vigorous! If you think about the tropical rain forests where they naturally grow, it's easy to see why. A humidifier will be the best solution to raise the humidity in your home during the cold months when the forced-air heat is cranking and dries out the air. We do not recommend misting your ferns --or any plants -- as this can cause fungal diseases if the leaves are constantly wet. You would have to be misting all day for that to happen! Misting does almost nothing to help raise the humidity for your plants, even though it feels therapeutic and relaxing to do! A stylish and practical way to increase the humidity in a small area is to place the ferns on a tray filled with pebbles and water so the evaporating moisture can reach the foliage. Learn how to increase humidity around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
Feed your Button Ferns with a ¼-diluted complete liquid fertilizer twice a month during the growing season. You can add organic compost, worm castings, or a slow-release fertilizer. Keep in mind that ferns are sensitive to being over-fertilized, so always dilute any concentrated fertilizer before applying it! Do not feed during the winter or in the colder months.
Growth Rate
Button Fern are moderate growers. Foliage clumps reach 18" in maturity
Pet Friend or Foe
Button Fern is non-toxic. Friend!
Pro Tips
- Only fertilize your indoor plants after you've saturated the soil with water; this avoids burning the roots and foliage.
- Group ferns together to make caring for them easier.
- Leave your ferns in the grow pots or plant in nonporous pots as this helps keep their soil moist.
- Indoor ferns can become root-bound which leads to stunted growth. Re-pot your ferns into a container that is 2" wider in diameter, using organic-rich soil when re-potting them!
- A great time to divide your ferns is when you are re-potting them. Take a sharp sterilized knife and carefully slice the root ball in half and plant each division into their own new pots!
- Try placing a fern potted in a terra-cotta pot into a larger ceramic pot. Place moistened moss between the inner terra-cotta pot and the outer ceramic pot. The moistened moss will help slow down the terra-cotta pot from wicking away the moisture from the fern's soil