Button Fern
pellaea rotundifolia
Also known as: ["Roundleaf Cliffbrake","Button Cliffbrake"]
Overview
A compact, evergreen fern with small, rounded leaflets on arching stems, native to New Zealand.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","shade tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Polypodiopsida |
| Order: | Pteridophyta |
| Family: | Pteridaceae |
| Genus: | Pellaea |
| Botanical Name: | Pellaea rotundifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, humid location away from direct sunlight
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments to maintain humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with peat, perlite, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to lower light in winter to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to new light conditions, protect from direct sun to avoid scorching, place in a spot with filtered light for best growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to bright, indirect light
Avoid direct sunlight; rotate plant for even growth; adjust light levels seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-draining, slightly alkaline potting mix with added perlite or sand
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Ensure good drainage; maintain slightly acidic pH; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates a range but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from drafts; maintain moderate warmth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–6 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy cuttings; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip individual fronds at the base with clean, sharp tools.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance and health; encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, scissors, or sharp knife.
Checklist
Check for dead/damaged fronds, use clean tools, prune at the base, dispose of clippings.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, when the plant is entering its active growth phase.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; helps refresh soil and prevent root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Check root boundness, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure proper drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the roots, allow excess water to drain away, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate organic matter for fertility, ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning leaf tips.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or browning due to reduced metabolic activity.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, maintain consistent temperatures.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or drying out due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPellaea rotundifolia is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicPellaea rotundifolia is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicPellaea rotundifolia is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Pellaea rotundifolia?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Pellaea rotundifolia need direct sunlight?
A: No, it prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Q: Is Pellaea rotundifolia toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to both dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Pteridaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to bright, indir |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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