Lemon Button Fern

Taxonomic Name: Nephrolepis cordifolia `Duffii'

Wood Fern Family

Nonflowering Herbaceous Plant

At first glance, this selection seems to be a rather robust version of the regular button fern, Pellaea rotundifolia. In fact, the lemon button fern is not closely related to the latter; instead, it is much more closely allied to the famous Boston fern. Whatever its true pedigree, the lemon button fern has become one of the most popular foliage plants sold at Chalet--and for good reason. It combines a slender, graceful look with a good reputation for overall hardiness.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: The lemon button fern is happiest in bright indirect sunlight--for instance, that of an unobstructed northern or eastern window.

WATERING: Water as soon as the soil surface feels dry to the touch. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than thirty minutes.  

FEEDING: Apply plant food only when the plant is growing actively, and then do so sparingly. Use a high-nitrogen (high first number) houseplant fertilizer applied at half the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Like almost all ferns, lemon button ferns prefer high humidity. Consider placing a water-filled gravel tray under your plant, or position a room humidifier nearby.