About
Pellaea rotundifolia, the button fern, is a compact, evergreen fern forming a nearly flat rosette of pinnate fronds to 25 cm long, composed of rounded, dark-emerald leaflets on dark-brown, pink-scaled stems. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens, or a shaded, moist greenhouse bench.
About the genus
Pellaea are evergreen or deciduous, tufted ferns with pinnate to tripinnate fronds on dark, wiry stalks. Grown in well-drained, sheltered, partly shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toNew Zealand
Care notes
CultivationRequires a moderately fertile, ericaceous, moist but well-drained soil in full sun with protection from hot midday sun, or partial shade. In frost prone areas protect the crown with a dry winter mulch. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens. See how to grow ferns as houseplants for further advice
PruningNo pruning required. Remove old leaves as they die down for the winter
PropagationPropagate by spores sown at 13-18°C when ripe
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free