Hemionitis rotundifolia
Button fern
Description
Source: leafsnapPellaea 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 (in zones 8 and 9) and house plant, tolerating low temperatures but not freezing. Pellaea rotundifolia is a compact, evergreen fern that can have more than 30 pairs of round, dark-green, leathery pinnae on fronds up to 18 in (460 mm) in length. The Latin specific epithet rotundifolia means “round-leaved”.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full shade
Button fern favors conditions like a partially shaded understory but can tolerate both increased exposure to sunlight and deeper shade. Coming from habitats with varying light levels, it copes well with different amounts of light. Excessive exposure can scorch the leaves, while persistent heavy shade can slow its growth.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
The button fern fern originates from tropical regions where temperatures range from 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃). It prefers warm conditions and can withstand light frost. In colder seasons, the plant should be placed in a warm, bright location with temperatures maintained around 68 to 75 ℉ (20 to 24 ℃).
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting Button fern, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the plant in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Fern
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Hemionitis
- Family
- Pteridaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Brown
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Native Area
- New Zealand