Button Fern — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Pellaea rotundifolia |
|---|---|
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–120 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 8–11 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant in well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral, humus-rich, moderately moist soil in partial to deep shade — button fern from New Zealand is one of the most charming and distinctive small ferns in cultivation, producing graceful, arching, dark-stemmed fronds lined with small, round, button-like leaflets (pinnae) that give it a uniquely textured, decorative appearance quite unlike typical ferns. It is substantially more drought tolerant than most ferns, preferring rocky or well-drained, humus-rich soils rather than the constantly wet conditions needed by many shade ferns. This makes it an excellent choice for shaded container gardens, terrariums, hanging baskets, and rocky shade garden pockets where soil dries between waterings. It grows well as a houseplant in moderate to bright indirect light. In the Gulf Coast and South, it is hardy to around 25°F and grows outdoors year-round in zone 8–11 in partial to deep shade under trees and on north-facing banks.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0