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Button Fern

Pellaea rotundifolia

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Pellaea rotundifolia, commonly known as button fern, is a small evergreen fern tolerant of drought and well-suited for indoor cultivation or rock gardens. Distinctive rounded leaflets give it a unique appearance compared to other ferns.

Uses & Benefits:

Pellaea rotundifolia adds lush, textured greenery perfect for shaded areas and container gardens, enriching landscape aesthetics.

Its ability to thrive in low light and moist conditions makes it an excellent choice for indoor and shaded outdoor spaces.

Provides habitat and cover for small insects and beneficial organisms in shaded garden ecosystems.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores into well-draining soil; keep moist for 2-3 weeks.
Mist fronds regularly to maintain humidity levels.
Place in partial shade; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
Maintain soil moisture but do not overwater; water when topsoil feels dry.
Transplant young plants carefully in early spring after frost risk passes.
Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Use a humidity tray or mist frequently to mimic natural forest conditions for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
Provide filtered or partial shade
Mist regularly to increase humidity
Use well-draining soil

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
Do not overwater; soggy soil can cause root rot ❌
Refrain from dry, airless environments
Avoid heavy fertilization

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenContainer display with lush foliageMoisture-loving border plant

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Caladiums Heuchera Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Button Fern questions

What zones can Button Fern grow in?

Button Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Button Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Button Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Button Fern bloom?

Button Fern typically blooms in does not flower through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Button Fern need full sun?

Button Fern does best in part shade.

Is Button Fern drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Button Fern handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.