Button Fern
Pellaea rotundifolia
Also known as: Round-Leaf Fern
A complete guide to growing and propagating Button Fern: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.
Button Fern care at a glance
Track your button fern cuttings & propagation in SnipLog
Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline â free on iPhone.
How to propagate Button Fern
Division
- Water the day before, then unpot and loosen the root ball.
- Split the clump into sections, each with fronds and a share of roots.
- Pull or cut the sections apart, keeping crowns intact.
- Pot each into well-draining peaty mix at the same depth.
- Keep warm, humid and evenly moist while they recover.
Common Button Fern problems & fixes
Shriveled, wrinkled leaves
Underwatering â give a thorough soak and let it drain fully, then wait until the soil is bone dry.
Mushy, translucent leaves or stems
Overwatering and rot. Cut back watering, repot into a gritty fast-draining mix, and remove any rotted roots.
Stretched, pale growth
Too little light (etiolation). Move to bright, direct light; behead and re-root the stretched top to reset a compact shape.
Track your button fern cuttings & propagation in SnipLog
Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline â free on iPhone.
Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications â if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.