Buttons Fern 6

Pellaea rotundifolia, commonly called button fern, is a compact fern native to New Zealand known for its small, round leaflets that grow along thin, arching stems. What makes this plant special is its structured, almost beaded look—tiny, leathery “buttons” spaced evenly along each stem, giving it a clean, delicate form while staying more durable than most ferns.

Light should be gentle but consistent to maintain its shape. Place it in an east or north-facing window where it gets steady light without direct sun hitting the foliage. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K placed 12–18 inches from the top of the plant. In lower light, the stems stretch and spacing between leaflets increases. Strong, even light keeps the plant compact and full.

Watering should stay moderate and slightly on the drier side compared to other ferns. Allow the top portion of the soil to dry slightly, then water thoroughly and let it drain, using a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark to keep airflow while holding some moisture. If the leaflets begin to drop while still green, it often points to drying out too far. If stems blacken at the base, the roots are staying too wet. Thin, stretched growth usually ties back to light rather than watering.