Pteridaceae
Button Fern - Pellaea rotundifolia
Pellaea rotundifolia
Provide bright indirect light and keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. This fern is more drought-tolerant than most and prefers well-draining acidic soil. Moderate humidity around 50% is ideal.
Every 5 days
Partial shade
15° - 24°C
40% - 60%
Categories
What is Button Fern?
Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is a medium-care plant from the Pteridaceae family. Pellaea rotundifolia is a compact, evergreen fern native to New Zealand and Australia, prized for its distinctive round, button-like leaflets arranged along dark, wiry stems. Unlike many ferns, it tolerates lower humidity and is remarkably drought-resistant, making it an excellent low-maintenance ho...
Button Fern grows up to 30cm, with spread of 30cm, watering every 5 days, 15°C â 24°C, 40â60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering as this fern is sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Use filtered or rainwater if possible, as it is sensitive to chlorine and salts in tap water.
Lighting
Place in bright, indirect light or partial shade. A north-facing window is ideal indoors. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the delicate fronds.
Ideal Soil
Use a well-draining peat-based mix with added perlite. The soil should be slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Recommended Pot
Choose a shallow, wide pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots work well as they allow the soil to breathe and prevent waterlogging. A hanging basket is also an excellent choice for displaying the arching fronds.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 365 days
About Button Fern
Pellaea rotundifolia is a compact, evergreen fern native to New Zealand and Australia, prized for its distinctive round, button-like leaflets arranged along dark, wiry stems. Unlike many ferns, it tolerates lower humidity and is remarkably drought-resistant, making it an excellent low-maintenance houseplant. It received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
How to Propagate
Division
Use a sharp, clean knife for dividing. Keep divisions moist but not soggy. Avoid dividing into pieces that are too small.
- 1 Remove the plant from its pot in spring
- 2 Gently separate the rhizome into 2-3 sections, ensuring each has roots and fronds
- 3 Plant each division in fresh, well-draining potting mix
- 4 Water lightly and keep in a warm, shaded spot until established
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
30cm
Spread
30cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Air Purifying
Improves air quality
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Common Problems
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Resilience, adaptability, and groundedness
Fun Facts
Unlike most ferns, the Button Fern can tolerate periods of drought
It received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit
The dark, wiry stems turn a deeper reddish-brown color as the plant matures
Despite being called a fern, it does not require the high humidity that most ferns demand
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Button Fern?
Is the Button Fern toxic to pets?
Why are the leaves on my Button Fern turning brown?
How do I propagate a Button Fern?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | â ïļ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Mandevilla | Medium | Bright indirect | 7d | â ïļ |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
