Button Fern

Button Ferns should be watered regularly during the growing season and less often in the wintertime. The soil should be kept moist, but not sopping wet. It is best to water when the top 1 inch on soil is dry to the touch. Periodically you should flush the soil with a stream of lukewarm water to leach out any built-up salts.

Button Ferns prefer at least indirect light and a bright spot indoors with no direct sun. They do best in a spot that receives a few hours of morning or evening sun, avoiding the harsh midday sun that can be damaging for this plant species. Too little light can cause the plant's fronds to become limp, but too much direct sunlight can cause bleach and fade the foliage leaves.

Button Ferns prefer room temperatures between 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). It can tolerate a wider temperature range of 50 to 85°F (10 to 29°C), but try to avoid extreme temperatures in both directions. Cooler homes can keep the Button Fern at the warmer end of its acceptable temperature range.

Button Ferns like higher humidity, but they are one of the more tolerant ferns that can survive in moderate humidity. Keeping a regular spraying routine on the leaves and fronds is great for reproducing the humid air of the Button Fern's native environment.

Button Ferns thrive in fertile, well-draining soil. A good potting soil mix is one that is high in organic matter, such as peat moss or compost, and is light and airy. A fast-draining mix is key; it should not stay soggy for too long. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to provide your plant with the nutrients it needs.

During the growing season, you can fertilize the Button Fern with a balanced fertilizer. A liquid diluted to half the strength is sufficient for regular feeding. For new plants, wait until they have become more established before beginning to fertilize. Stop fertilizing during the winter season, when the plant enters its rest period.

The Button Fern is fairly resistant to insect and disease problems. Common pests that affect it are aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. The most effective way to get rid of these pests is to check your plants regularly and wipe off the visible pests with a moist cloth. If the problem persists, spray the affected area with a solution of soapy water (diluted insecticidal soap or neem oil) or use a horticultural oil with dishwashing liquid.

Every other year the Button Fern should be repotted in a roomy container with a fast-draining potting mix. Repot it at the beginning of the growing season taking care to not disturb its shallow roots. Keep the plant slightly above the surface of the container and add additional potting mix if needed. Reduce watering a bit after repotting until the plant re-establishes itself.

Established Button Ferns benefit from occasional pinching, trimming, or pruning. Soiled fronds can removed using sharp scissors. Make sure to never cut more than a third of the foliage at once as cutting too much may harm the plant and result in stunted growth.

Mulching with organic material, such as bark, compost, leaf mold, or peat moss, can help maintain an ideal moisture level in the soil. Mulching also adds organic matter to the soil which can help improve drainage and discourage weed growth.

The Button Fern can be propagated by division or by growing spores. When dividing an existing plant, use a sharp knife to make sure that each part has roots and viable fronds attached. Plant each divided section into its own container filled with sterile potting soil. Other propagation methods include sowing spores collected from the undersides of the mature fronds onto sterile sphagnum moss, sterilized soil, or a peat moss and vermiculite mix.

Button Ferns do not require staking or supports. However, if the plant is put in a location with a lot of air movement, a thin stake may be added to provide extra stability.

Button Ferns enter a period of dormancy in the winter season. Reduce watering of your plant during this time, as it enters a rest period. You can also stop fertilizing as the plant will produce fewer fronds and new growth will be slow and sparse.

The Button Fern is non-toxic and safe for pets and humans. Dogs and cats can nibble on the fronds without problems, however, if ingested in large amounts it may cause an upset stomach.