Button Fern

Name: Button Fern
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PB0697S
Price: 12.0 CAD
Availability: InStock

Button Fern

$12

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Size 3.5" Pot - Small

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About This Plant

Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) is native to the forest floors of New Zealand, where it grows among rocks and fallen logs in conditions that are shadier and drier than the humid tropical environments most ferns come from. It stays small, typically 20 to 30 cm tall and wide. It suits desks, shelves, and terrariums in Canadian homes.

The round button-like leaflets are unlike any other fern. Most ferns have feathery or wavy fronds. The Button Fern has thick, leathery, perfectly circular leaflets strung along thin dark stems, creating a distinctive look that stands out on any shelf or desk.

Safe for cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists Pellaea (cliff brake) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Button Fern is confirmed pet-safe and one of the few ferns that can safely be placed at floor level or on low shelves where curious pets can reach. The Birds Nest Fern is another confirmed pet-safe fern for rooms where pets roam freely.

It prefers cooler temperatures than most tropical houseplants. Button Fern thrives between 15 and 24°C and actually does better in the cooler rooms of Canadian homes than most tropical ferns. It dislikes the heat from radiators and heating vents. Keep it in a cooler, bright room.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward but the Button Fern handles Canadian winter conditions better than most ferns. Its New Zealand origins mean it is adapted to cooler, less humid conditions than tropical ferns.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Pellaea spp. listed as non-toxic). Safe for homes with pets and small children, including on low shelves and surfaces within pet reach.

Pests

Scale insects are the most common pest, appearing as small brown bumps on the stems and undersides of leaflets. The waxy leaflet surface can make early infestations hard to spot. Check the stems carefully each time you water.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Austral Gem Fern. Glossy and tough.

For another compact fern with thick, distinctive fronds that handles dry Canadian indoor air well, the Austral Gem Fern has glossy deeply divided fronds and is also pet-safe.

Birds Nest Fern. Pet-safe and broad-fronded.

For a pet-safe fern with very different broad, wavy fronds that also handles lower light and moderate humidity well, the Birds Nest Fern is one of the most practical ferns for Canadian homes.

Blue Star Fern. Distinctive colour.

For a pet-safe fern with a completely different look in blue-green wavy fronds, the Blue Star Fern handles average indoor humidity and suits the same low to medium light conditions.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Button Fern?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In spring and summer that is roughly every five to seven days. In a Canadian winter, every seven to ten days. Unlike Boston Ferns, this plant tolerates the soil drying slightly between waterings without immediate drama. However, do not let it go bone dry as the leaflets will crisp and do not recover easily. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check correctly.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Medium to low indirect light works well. A north- or east-facing window is ideal. It tolerates lower light better than most ferns. Avoid direct sun, especially harsh afternoon sun, which scorches the leaflets. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

Is the Button Fern safe for cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists Pellaea (cliff brake) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. The Button Fern is confirmed pet-safe and one of the best ferns for households with pets, including in spots that pets can easily reach.

Why are the leaflet tips turning brown and crispy?

Brown crispy tips on the Button Fern almost always mean the air is too dry or the plant is too close to a heating vent. Move it away from radiators and vents, which are particularly drying in Ontario and Quebec homes from November onward. A pebble tray nearby helps. Also check the soil is not consistently dry between waterings.

Will it survive a Canadian winter indoors?

Yes, and it handles Canadian winter conditions better than most ferns. Its cooler temperature preference (15 to 21°C) means average room temperatures in Canadian homes suit it well. The main risk is dry air from heating vents. Keep it away from vents and keep the soil lightly moist. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

How to Take Care of Button Fern

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Medium to low indirect light is ideal. A north- or east-facing window works well in a Canadian home year-round. The Button Fern tolerates lower light better than most ferns. Avoid direct afternoon sun which scorches the round leaflets.

Light: Medium to low indirect

A north- or east-facing window works well year-round. This is one of the better ferns for lower-light spots in Canadian homes. From October to February, keep it in the best indirect light available. Low light slows growth but does not immediately harm the plant.

Water: When top inch of soil is dry

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly every five to seven days in spring and summer and every seven to ten days in a Canadian winter. This fern is more forgiving of slight dryness than tropical ferns, but do not let the soil dry out completely as the waxy leaflets do not recover once they crisp.

Humidity: Moderate

More tolerant of average indoor humidity than most ferns, which makes it a practical choice for Canadian homes in winter. It still appreciates moderate humidity and benefits from being away from heating vents. A pebble tray nearby helps during the dry heating season in Ontario and Quebec.

Pet Friendly: Yes

Non-toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Pellaea spp.). Safe for homes with pets and small children, including in spots that pets can access.

Pro Tip

The Button Fern's biggest enemy in a Canadian home is not low light or missed waterings but dry heat from radiators and forced-air vents. A spot that feels comfortable to you at 18 to 21°C with moderate humidity is ideal. The cooler and more evenly humidified the spot, the better this fern performs through a Canadian winter.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March, you can add Winter Shipping Protection at checkout. It adds insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from the cold in transit. Cold damage is only covered if it's added to your order.

You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If your plant arrives damaged, has pests, or starts to decline within 30 days, we'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

Change of mind, repotted or trimmed plants, and cold damage without Winter Shipping Protection aren't covered. See our full Return Policy

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