Photo: Saryu Mae 前 朝琉CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Button Fern Plant Care
Pellaea rotundifolia (G.Forst.) Hook.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pellaea rotundifolia, the button fern, is a species of fern endemic to New Zealand, where it grows in scrub and forests. It is also a popular garden plant and house plant, tolerating low temperatures but not freezing.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
60–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Button Fern?
Water Button Fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Button Fern Native To?
What Is the Button Fern?
Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) belongs to the Pteridaceae family within the Pellaea genus. Button Fern is native to New Zealand. Button Fern is also known as Round-leaved cliffbrake.
Button Fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Button Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Button Fern?
Pellaea rotundifolia requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Button Fern Need?
Button Fern thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Button Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Button Fern Prefer?
Pellaea rotundifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Button Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Button Fern?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss or compost. Good drainage is essential for Button Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Button Fern?
Feed Button Fern every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Button Fern?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Button Fern?
Button Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes.
Is the Button Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Button Fern?
Button Fern is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Button Fern Need?
Button Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Button Fern is native to New Zealand. In cooler regions, grow Button Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Button Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pellaea genus — compare its care with other Pellaea species on PlantoScan.
Pellaea is part of the Pteridaceae plant family — browse all Pteridaceae genera and species.
Button Fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pellaea rotundifolia (G.Forst.) Hook., family Pteridaceae (first published in Sp. Fil. 2. 136. 1858. HB. 151. Chr. 1 (1858)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Button Fern as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Saryu Mae 前 朝琉, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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