How to Grow & Care for Lemon Button Fern

If you’ve struggled to keep a fern alive indoors before (we’re looking at you, maidenhair fern), then the lemon button fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii') may be the plant for you. The lemon button fern is a dwarf variety of the common Boston fern and goes by many names including button sword fern, erect sword fern, little-leaved sword fern, and fishbone fern. The leaves give off a lemony scent when crushed. This compact fern is known for being resilient and less finicky than some of its relatives, and its small size makes it perfect for growing indoors. It likes medium, indirect light and acidic soil. Learn more about caring for and maintaining this houseplant.

Lemon Button Fern Care

These are the main care requirements for growing lemon button fern:

• Can withstand a little bit of neglect
• Need medium, indirect light
• Requires consistent watering

Light

In their native environment, lemon button ferns grow as understory plants and are accustomed to indirect light conditions. When grown indoors, they grow best in medium, indirect light but can also tolerate low light or bright light conditions. However, never place your lemon button fern in direct sun as it will burn the delicate leaves.

Soil

Lemon button ferns thrive in acidic soil that is moist, loamy, and well-draining. That being said, these ferns are highly adaptable and can do well in a variety of soil conditions. For the most part, a standard houseplant soil is perfect for these little ferns.

Water

As with most ferns, the lemon button fern should never be allowed to fully dry out. Water your fern at least once a week to ensure that the soil stays consistently moist. While these ferns appreciate consistent moisture, never waterlog the soil as it can lead to root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

These ferns prefer warm, humid conditions. For the most part, typical household temperature and humidity levels should be fine for lemon button ferns, although if your house is particularly dry your fern will appreciate some added moisture. Try placing your lemon button fern near a small humidifier or in a high-humidity room like the bathroom or kitchen.

Fertilizer

Ferns are generally light feeders and the lemon button fern is no exception. Apply a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength every few months during the growing season.

Types of Lemon Button Ferns

The lemon button fern is just one of many cultivars that grow well as houseplants. Other common varieties include:

• Nephrolepis cordifolia "Petticoat": A rarer variety with long fronds that when branched together form a similar shape to a "petticoat skirt" around the hanging basket. These ferns prefer bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.
• Nephrolepis cordifolia "Flumosa": This plant can be grown indoors or outdoors, like most ferns, and values a bit of shade.

Pruning

Due to their compact size, lemon button ferns do not require any aggressive pruning to keep them happy and healthy. However, it is normal for some fronds to die off throughout the year—especially in the fall and winter months—and removing these dead fronds will help to keep the plant tidy and make space for new ones.

Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to remove browning or dead fronds by making clean cuts near the base of each frond.

Propagating Lemon Button Ferns

Lemon button ferns grow from rhizomes, which means they propagate easily by division. Dividing a healthy lemon button fern is a great way to create new plants and manage the size of your existing fern. Propagating by division is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps:

1. Remove the entire lemon button fern from its pot by gently wiggling the pot away from the root ball.
2. Identify the section of fern that you want to divide off from the main clump.
3. Using your hands, gently tease apart the roots of the new section of fern from the old plant, breaking as few roots as possible.
4. Once you have divided the fern, pot the plants in separate containers using a well-draining soil mix and water them thoroughly.

Potting and Repotting Lemon Button Ferns

Lemon buttons prefer containers that take longer to dry out, as they can tolerate a bit of drought. Try plastic or glazed terracotta pots with ample drainage holes. It's best to repot this fern in the springtime once you see roots poking out of the soil.

1. Select a pot size that is slightly larger than the plant's root ball, or size up your pot by 2 inches.
2. Gently remove the fern from its old pot, and replant it at the same depth using a fresh potting mix.
3. Take care to bury all the roots, and then give your fern a good drink of water.
4. Place your pot in a warm area in your home but still out of harsh, direct sunlight—this will crisp the leaves.

Common Pests

Lemon button ferns are generally easy to care for and are by and large pest-free, however, they can be susceptible to certain pests like aphids and spider mites. These can occur if the air becomes too dry or if necessary conditions aren't met. Ensure your plant has proper light, temperature, and water to avoid damage from pests.

Common Problems With Lemon Button Ferns

Brown Crispy Fronds

Fronds that turn brown and crispy are an indication that your lemon button fern is not receiving enough water and humidity. Ensure that you are watering your plant regularly, and try providing extra humidity using a pebble tray or humidifier.

Wilting Leaves

Wilting leaves can be an indication of two separate problems: too much sun, or overwatering. If the wilting leaves are accompanied by mushy stems, the culprit is likely overwatering, otherwise you may be looking at sun damage. 

Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves can also be an indication of either too much sun or too much water. Ensure that your plant is not in a location that receives direct sun, and never saturate the soil during watering.