The Lemon Button Fern is a delightful and popular houseplant, known for its attractive appearance and straightforward care. Its compact form and subtle citrusy fragrance make it a charming addition to any indoor plant collection.
Unique Characteristics of Lemon Button Fern
The Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’) is a dwarf cultivar related to the Boston fern. It typically grows to about 12 inches in height and spread, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This fern features small, rounded, button-like leaflets along slender, arching fronds. A faint lemony scent is released when its fronds are brushed or lightly crushed. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia, and the Americas, it naturally grows on forest floors or as an epiphyte on other plants.
Lemon Button Fern Care
Light
Lemon Button Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural environment beneath a forest canopy. An east or west-facing window provides suitable filtered sunlight. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, as it can scorch delicate fronds, leading to browning. While lower light levels are tolerated, growth may slow, and very low light can cause fronds to yellow.
Watering
Maintain consistent soil moisture for Lemon Button Ferns, ensuring they never sit in waterlogged conditions. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. While they appreciate consistent moisture, these ferns are forgiving if the soil occasionally dries out slightly between waterings.
Humidity
High humidity is necessary for Lemon Button Ferns. Dry air, especially from household heating or air conditioning, can lead to crispy, brown fronds. Increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray (ensuring the pot doesn’t sit in water), regular misting, grouping plants together, or using a room humidifier can also help maintain the necessary moisture in the air.
Soil and Potting
Lemon Button Ferns prefer a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix that retains some moisture. A good blend includes peat moss, perlite, and pine bark or coco coir for drainage, aeration, and moisture retention. An acidic to neutral soil pH (4.0-7.0) supports nutrient uptake. Repot every 2-3 years, or when roots emerge from drainage holes, ideally in spring. Select a container only slightly larger, usually 2 inches wider.
Fertilizing
Lemon Button Ferns are light feeders. During their active growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, monthly. Reduce or cease fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so follow dilution recommendations.
Propagating Lemon Button Fern
Propagating Lemon Button Ferns is most effective through division, a method accessible to most home growers. The optimal time is spring or autumn. Carefully remove the fern from its pot and gently tease apart the root ball into smaller sections. Each new section needs healthy roots and at least a few fronds for successful establishment.
After dividing, plant each new section into its own pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots. Place new plants in an environment mimicking the parent plant’s humidity and light conditions to support recovery and growth. While propagation by spores is possible, it is a more complex method generally less successful for the average enthusiast.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Lemon Button Ferns may show signs of distress, often due to environmental conditions. Brown, crispy fronds indicate insufficient watering or low humidity. Increase watering frequency and boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier can help alleviate this. Yellowing fronds may signal overwatering, leading to root rot, or a nutrient deficiency. Ensure proper drainage and allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging.
Pest issues, while not frequent, can occur, with spider mites and aphids being common culprits. These pests often appear in dry conditions and cause leaf discoloration or damage. Regularly inspect the plant and effectively treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Maintaining proper light, temperature, and humidity helps keep the fern resilient against pests.