Pellaea rotundifolia - The Button Fern
A fern originating in dry climates such as are found in southern
Africa, South America, and parts of New Zealand. The Button fern
has a prostrate growth habit, with small, round, leathery
leaflets borne on short arching stems. With age the leaflets
elongate to a more oval-shape.
Its normal habitat is at the edges of desert or scrub land growing in the soil. This means that it is a perfect house plant for those who forget to water their plants or who are apt to be absent for lengthy periods. This is not to say that the fern needs no water whatever, but rather a fern that will tend to succumb to too much watering rather than too little watering.
Pellaea viridis is another form, maintaining a more traditional fern-shape with longer fronds of pointed leaflets.
Its needs: The Pellaeas will tolerate semi-shade, in draught-free
corners. Avoid direct sun. Gravel or pine bark should be added to the
potting mix to encourage free-drainage.
Pellaea rotundifiolia - The Button Fern can also be grown outside in milder areas and is frost hardy - just - but not one for being permanently frozen through the winter. It also makes for a container plant with a difference. The cascading foliage can be quite spectacular with the small round leaflets - not unlike a string of buttons!
The Button Fern is evergreen and likes to be kept moist through the winter, but not water-logged. Use a Foliage Houseplant fertiliser fertiliser once a month through the growing season , but cut the recommended dose to half strength. Increase humidity by misting the plants in summer.
It prefers a sunny position - even to the extend of mid day sun if grown outdoors. But if grown as a houseplant - avoid full sun through a window.
Good for: A very different foliage plant plant, the Button
fern does look good when planted in a hanging basket or a
shallow container.
Trouble free generally with no pests or disease considered a problem. It can look a bit unkempt after a few seasons - easily remedied by cutting out the the straggly leaves back to the base of the plant in spring. New shoots will soon emerge.
The accepted way for growers and fern enthusiasts is be sowing the spores on a damp organic based compost.
However, the fern can also be carefully divided in spring as active growth starts, with the divisions potted up separately. If basal growth is visible, then cut back the older fronds.
Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is a charming, easy-care fern with round, button-like leaflets. Here's how to propagate it.
Sowing SporesIf new, basal growth is visible, this is a sign that your fern is healthy and growing well. You can cut back older, brown fronds at the base to improve the plant's appearance and make room for new growth.
Essential Tips for Successful PropagationWith patience and care, you can successfully propagate and enjoy the beauty of Button Ferns in your home!
Identify Weeds in The Garden - How to deal with weeds. Diseases and Pest which harm your garden and plants, learn how to prevent, deter and erradicate your garden problems.
Garden ProblemsPruning Guide. Shrubs flower better with correct pruning. Many illustrations and examples of what to do - and when. Includes evergreens, roses, flowering shrubs, spring flowering shrubs and pruning for stem effect. This is our most viewed and comprehensive section,
PruningGardening Businesses listed in the UK counties and USA states. County and State Listings of businesses involved in Garden supplies and services. If you wish to be added to the Directory, please send us your information. Having problems, use the search box
BusinessesIn this section you will learn about Gardening Basics, Containers, Landscaping, Propagation and Soil.
GardeningGardening Gifts and Reviews, Read Before you Buy