Pellaea rotundifolia - The Button Fern 

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!

Care of the Button Fern

 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.