Pellaea rotundifolia - The Button Fern 

Pellaea rotundifiolia - The Button Fern

Pellaea rotundifolia - The Button Fern

The Plant: A fern originating in dry climates such as are found in southern Africa, South America, and parts of New Zealand. The Button fern has a prostrate growth habit, with small, round, leathery leaflets borne on short arching stems. With age the leaflets elongate to a more oval-shape.
Pellaea viridis is another form, maintaining a more ‘traditional’ fern-shape with longer fronds of pointed leaflets.

Its needs: The Pellaeas will tolerate semi-shade, in draught-free corners. Avoid direct sun. Gravel or pine bark should be added to the potting mix to encourage free-drainage.

Care: The Button Fern is evergreen and likes to be kept moist through the winter, but not water-logged. Use a special fern fertiliser once a month through the growing season. Increase humidity by misting the plants in summer. If the Pellaea appears scruffy or unkempt trim back old growth to the root crown in spring. Can be subject to scale pest.

Good for: Whilst not a particularly stunning foliage plant, the Button fern does look good when planted in a hanging basket or a shallow container. Pellaea viridis requires a deeper pot, and may grace a spare corner somewhere.

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