Photo: Photo by David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Button Fern
Pellaea rotundifolia
Round, leathery leaflets along arching stems. Tolerates a bit more airflow than most ferns.
- Terrarium type
- Closed or Open
- Terrarium size
- Small
- Light
- Medium
- Care level
- Easy
- Growth habit
- Upright
- Pet safety
- Non-toxic to pets
Growing Button Fern in a terrarium
Where to place it
Set its arching, round-leafleted stems in the mid-ground under medium indirect light. It tolerates a little more airflow than most ferns, so it works in open setups too.
Watering & humidity
Let the very top of the substrate dry slightly between waterings — it dislikes constant sogginess more than other ferns. Keep humidity moderate to high.
Watch out for
Because it accepts drier air, it's easy to overwater by treating it like a bog fern. Leaflets dropping off the stems usually means it's been kept too wet.
Reference: Pellaea rotundifolia on Wikipedia.
Button Fern FAQ
Can Button Fern grow in a closed terrarium?+
Yes — Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) thrives in a closed terrarium. The sealed glass traps the constant, high humidity it needs, and it tolerates the lower light inside a covered vessel.
Can Button Fern grow in an open terrarium?+
Yes. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is well suited to an open, unsealed terrarium where air moves freely and excess moisture can escape — exactly the conditions it prefers.
What size terrarium does Button Fern need?+
Button Fern suits a small terrarium — jars & bottles. It has a upright growth habit, so plan its position with that in mind and trim or divide it if it starts to outgrow the glass.
Is Button Fern easy to care for?+
Button Fern is rated easy to care for in a terrarium. Round, leathery leaflets along arching stems. Tolerates a bit more airflow than most ferns. Because it accepts drier air, it's easy to overwater by treating it like a bog fern. Leaflets dropping off the stems usually means it's been kept too wet.
How much light does Button Fern need?+
Button Fern does best in medium light. Keep it out of direct sun, which magnifies through glass and scorches leaves. Set its arching, round-leafleted stems in the mid-ground under medium indirect light. It tolerates a little more airflow than most ferns, so it works in open setups too.
Is Button Fern safe for cats and dogs?+
Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA.
