Lemon Button Fern
Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii'
A compact fern featuring upright to arching fronds adorned with small, rounded, button-like pinnae that emit a subtle citrus scent when brushed.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 4 to 6 hours daily; protect from direct hot sun to prevent frond scorch.
- Water
- Water frequently whenever the top surface of the soil begins to feel slightly dry. Never allow the root system to dry out completely, and ensure excess water drains freely.
- Growth
- Perennial herbaceous fern with a compact, clumping growth habit, reaching mature heights and spreads of about 12 inches.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Maintain high ambient humidity levels and use a well-draining, organic potting mix. Feed lightly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 4 to 6 hours daily; protect from direct hot sun to prevent frond scorch.
Watering
Water frequently whenever the top surface of the soil begins to feel slightly dry. Never allow the root system to dry out completely, and ensure excess water drains freely.
Soil
Rich, loose, organic potting soil with excellent drainage and a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 6.8.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 9 to 11, grown primarily as an indoor houseplant in cooler climates.
Growth habit
Perennial herbaceous fern with a compact, clumping growth habit, reaching mature heights and spreads of about 12 inches.
Bloom season
Non-flowering
Propagation
Propagated successfully through root division during spring repotting by separating established clumps with healthy fronds and root systems.
Common pests & issues
Prone to brown, crisp frond tips if ambient humidity is too low. Watch for spider mites and scale insects, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Similar species
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), which features much longer, broader fronds with lance-shaped pinnae rather than the small, rounded buttons of the Lemon Button Fern.