The lemon button fern (Nephrolepsis cordifolia “Duffii”) is essentially a compact type of Boston fern. Now, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, indoor plant that is safe for pets, then the lemon button fern should be at the top of your list! This plant is known for its beautiful, delicate fronds
that have a unique, lemony scent emanating during the warmer months.
Why is this called the lemon button fern? The plant gets its name from the small, round, yellowish-green gemmae that resemble buttons, and form on the new fronds.
The lemon button fern is native to Asia, Australia, and Polynesia and thrives in humid environments.
These cute houseplants are easy to grow and make great additions to any indoor space. So, if you’re looking to add some greenery to your home, and don’t want to deal with high-maintenance plants, then the lemon button fern is a good choice.
Following are some tips on how to care for your lemon button fern indoors.
Table of Contents
Snapshot
| Botanical name | Nephrolepsis cordifolia “Duffii” |
| Light | Bright or medium indirect light |
| Water | Prefers to be moist all the time |
| Potting Soil | Well draining potting mix |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to humans and pets |
Light Requirements
The lemon button fern does best in bright or medium, indirect light. This plant has even been known to withstand low light conditions. Talk about adaptability!
It’s best to avoid placing your plant in a location with direct sun exposure, as this can scorch the leaves.
Watering Needs
Do not let your lemon button fern dry out completely, as it prefers the soil to be moist at all times. Now, be sure to empty the drainage tray and be careful not to overwater, to avoid root rot.
One thing to keep in mind is the water you use. If your water is high in chlorine or fluoride, it can build up in the soil and damage the plant. If possible, use distilled water instead.
Humidity Preferences
The lemon button fern thrives in humid environments. If the humidity level in your home is not that high, you can increase the humidity around the plant by putting your plant on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Soil Requirements
The lemon button fern does best in a well-draining potting mix. Regular houseplant soil with some added perlite or pumice will work well.
Fertilizing Needs
Fertilize your lemon button fern every 4 weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Pruning Needs
You can trim back the lemon button fern to keep it looking neat and tidy. Just snip off any brown or yellow leaves as needed. You can also remove any leggy stems to encourage new growth. Be careful when pruning so that you don’t accidentally cut off any new growth or fronds.
Propagating Lemon Button Ferns
The simplest approach to propagate your plant is by division. To do so, carefully take the plant out of its container. Make sure that each piece has its own root system. And place each division in a separate container filled with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Common Problems with Lemon Button Ferns
Yellowing leaves
One common problem with lemon button ferns is browning or yellowing leaves. This can be caused by too much direct sunlight, not enough humidity, or incorrect watering (either overwatering or underwatering). If you see the leaves starting to turn yellow, take a closer look at your plant’s care routine and make some adjustments.
Brown leaves
Brown leaves can be caused by too much sun, drafts, or drying out too much between waterings. If you see brown leaves, simply trim them back and adjust your watering and light levels accordingly.
Leaf drop
Another common problem is leaf drop. This can be caused by a sudden change in temperature, drafts, or too much fertilizer. If you observe that the leaves are starting to fall off, try to identify the cause and take corrective action. For example, if the leaves are dropping due to a sudden temperature change, move the plant to a location with a more consistent temperature.
Wilting leaves
This can be a sign of either too much or too little water. If the leaves are wilting and the soil is dry, water the plant immediately. If the leaves are wilting and the soil is soggy, allow the plant to drain and then reduce watering frequency.
Repotting Needs
You’ll need to repot your lemon button fern every one to two years, or when it becomes rootbound. Just be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that’s only slightly larger than the current one.
Temperature and Humidity:
The lemon button fern prefers warm temperatures and high humidity.
If the air is too dry in your home, the leaves can start to turn brown and crispy. You can increase the humidity around the plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier. Also, misting the plant regularly is another option to boost the humidity level.
Toxicity
The lemon button fern is non-toxic to humans and pets.
Common questions:
What is the size of a mature lemon button plant?
Most plants are relatively small, reaching about 12 inches (30 cm) in height and width.
What kind of light does a lemon button fern need?
The lemon button fern does best in bright or medium, indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Is this a fast-growing plant?
No, the lemon button fern is a slow-growing plant.
Is the lemon scent all year round?
The lemon scent is most pronounced when the plant is in bloom, typically between late spring and early summer.
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for indoor plant that is safe for pets, the lemon button fern should be at the top of your list! Just be sure to provide bright or medium, indirect light and remember that consistently moist soil is preferred. So, be sure to keep these tips in mind when taking care of your lemon button fern and your plant will flourish.