Button Fern
Pellaea rotundifolia
The Button Fern is a compact fern with distinctive round, button-like leaflets along arching dark stems. Unlike most ferns it tolerates somewhat drier conditions, making it a charming, manageable choice for small spaces.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- Keep lightly moist
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Button Fern is a small evergreen fern native to New Zealand, named for the rounded leaflets that line its fronds like a row of buttons. It stays compact, rarely exceeding about a foot in height and spread.
It is one of the more drought-tolerant ferns, since it naturally grows in rockier, less consistently wet habitats than typical tropical ferns. This makes it a good pick for terrariums, desktops, and small shelves.
How to identify it
Identify the Button Fern by:
- Leaflets: small, rounded to oval, leathery, and dark green, spaced along the frond
- Stems (stipes): wiry, dark brown to nearly black, with fine hairs
- Habit: low, spreading, arching fronds forming a dense mound under a foot tall
- Texture: firmer and more leathery than the delicate fronds of many ferns
- No flowers: spores form on the undersides of mature leaflets
Care & growing
Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun that scorches the leaflets.
Water: Keep lightly moist; allow the very top of the soil to dry slightly. More drought-tolerant than most ferns but dislikes soggy roots.
Soil: Well-draining mix with some grit; it prefers slightly alkaline soil.
Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Humidity: Tolerates average humidity better than tropical ferns but appreciates moderate moisture.
Feeding: Dilute balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation: Divide clumps in spring.
Habitat & origin
Native to New Zealand and also found in parts of Australia and Norfolk Island, where it grows in rocky crevices, banks, and forest margins, often in slightly alkaline soils.
It is cultivated worldwide as a compact houseplant and is well suited to terrariums and small containers.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Button Fern dislike too much water?
It evolved in rocky, well-drained habitats, so its roots rot easily if kept soggy. Let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings.
How do I recognize a Button Fern?
Look for small, rounded, leathery dark-green leaflets spaced like buttons along wiry, near-black stems, forming a low mound under a foot tall.
Why are leaflets dropping off?
Leaflet drop usually results from soil drying out completely or from cold drafts. Keep it lightly moist and away from cold air.
Does it need high humidity?
It prefers moderate humidity but tolerates average household air better than most ferns, especially if not allowed to fully dry out.
Button Fern guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Button Fern.
