Care of the indoor plant Pellaea rotundifolia or Button fern |
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The genus Pellaea, family Pteridaceae, includes about 50 species of ferns native to Africa, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Andes. Some species are: Pellaea rotundifolia, Pellaea falcata, Pellaea nana, Pellaea atropurpurea, Pellaea truncata. Common name: Button fern. This species is native to New Zealand. They are perennial ferns that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height and 60 cm (23.6") in diameter. The fronds have 10-20 dark green rounded leaflets with serrated edges. They do not produce flowers. They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. In spring and summer they can be taken outside in a bright location but without direct sun. The Pellaea rotundifolia needs a light and warm exposure. The ideal average temperature in spring and summer is 20 ºC (68 ºF). In winter it is grateful for a rest at 15 ºC (59 ºF). The soil should be a peat-based substrate with sphagnum on the walls of the pot. The transplant is done every 1-2 years in spring. Water with lime-free water frequently so that the substrate never dries out completely. If the temperature is higher than 22 ºC (71.6 ºF), spray the leaves periodically with lime-free water. Fertilize every 2 weeks in spring and summer with mineral fertilizer. They do not need pruning. They are plants sensitive to drought and overwatering. They are easily propagated by division of the plant or rhizomes in spring. |
Images of the indoor plant Pellaea rotundifolia or Button fern |
 Pellaea rotundifolia  Pellaea rotundifolia  Pellaea rotundifolia |