Caring for a Lemon Button Fern: Three Proven Methods Recommended by Houseplant Professionals for Enhanced Frond Appeal
Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, the houseplant expert at The Houseplant Guru, shares her expertise on caring for the charming Lemon Button Fern. With over a decade of professional experience, she has forged a career providing advice, holding lectures, and writing for publications across the US.
The Lemon Button Fern, a dwarf variety of Boston fern, is a compact fern with round leaflets of a lemon-green color, typically growing about 12-14 inches tall and wide. This delightful plant thrives in specific conditions to maintain its vibrant appearance.
Light
Place your Lemon Button Fern in bright, filtered light, but shield it from direct sun to avoid leaf damage. This fern prefers bright, indirect light, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces with ample natural light.
Watering
Water your Lemon Button Fern when the top half inch or so has dried out. It's essential to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and never wet the leaves to prevent rot.
Humidity
Lemon Button Ferns benefit from higher humidity levels, ideally around 50%. To increase humidity, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a humidity tray. Regular misting can also help maintain the desired humidity levels.
Temperature
Keep the temperature between 60–75°F (16–24°C) and avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 10°C (50°F). This fern originates from moist environments, so it prefers a warm, humid environment.
Soil
Use a loose, well-draining, yet moisture-retentive potting mix rich in organic matter like peat moss and perlite, or specialized fern soil. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, as the Lemon Button Fern doesn't want to stand in water.
Fertilization
Feed your Lemon Button Fern monthly in spring and summer with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer, reducing frequency in autumn and winter. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to thrive.
Care
Older fronds of the Lemon Button Fern will die and yellow, requiring removal. Always follow the one third pruning rule when removing old foliage. Removing more than a third of the plant at a time can stunt its growth and hinder its health.
If the Lemon Button Fern is turning yellow or brown elsewhere on the plant, it may indicate a growing environment issue. Check the saucer or planter for clear drainage holes to allow water to pass through. In case of a growing environment issue, address it promptly to ensure the plant's health.
By following these specific care conditions, you'll help prevent yellowing, shriveling, or crisping leaves—symptoms often caused by improper light, water extremes, or low humidity. Enjoy the beauty of your Lemon Button Fern as it thrives in your home!
[1] Steinkopf, L. (2021). Lemon Button Fern Care: Tips for Keeping Your Lemon Button Fern Alive. The Houseplant Guru. Retrieved from https://www.thehouseplantguru.com/lemon-button-fern-care/
[2] Steinkopf, L. (2020). How to Care for Lemon Button Fern: Tips for Keeping Your Lemon Button Fern Alive. The Houseplant Guru. Retrieved from https://www.thehouseplantguru.com/how-to-care-for-lemon-button-fern/
[3] Steinkopf, L. (2019). Lemon Button Fern: Care, Watering, Light, Propagation, and More. The Houseplant Guru. Retrieved from https://www.thehouseplantguru.com/lemon-button-fern-care-watering-light-propagation-and-more/
- Lisa Eldred Steinkopf's expertise extends beyond the Lemon Button Fern, providing advice on succulents, indoor plants, and general home-and-garden lifestyle tips for cultivating a thriving green space within one's home.
- Enhance your home's lifestyle and personality by incorporating unique and beautiful Lemon Button Ferns into your gardening endeavors, captivating onlookers with their vibrant, lemon-green leaves.
