Santa Rosa Tropicals Fern Information

'Lemon Button'
Nephrolepis cordifolia

A relative newcomer to the foliage industry in the United States, "Lemon Button" is really very versatile. At first it appears to be a 4" table fern exclusively, but in fact it resembles a goldfish. The larger the tank..the larger the fish and the same with "Lemon Button". This means you can grow it in anything from a 4” pot up to an 8” container. Note: If you have or do a little work with bonsai plantings, “Lemon Button” would make an excellent companion plant! Also note: San Diego Fern Society has labeled this fern as one of the most durable ferns for inside your home.

Growing Information

Zone: 9-10

Light: Filtered sun. Inside the home the danger is ‘too dark’.

Temperature: Comfortable house temperatures are fine.

Feed: Quarter to half strength of any soluble fertilizer when new growth is present. Miracle Gro® or equivalent works well.

Water: ...more ferns are harmed by overwatering than holding back on the water. Water well then allow to dry lightly before watering again.

Potting Mix: Should have some peat to hold fertilizer salts and moisture, but the mix must drain very well. Dolomite lime supplies Ca and Mg helps keep good color.

Pest Control: Quite pest-free.

Pot size: 4" pots or 6" to 8" baskets.

Repotting: Can stay for a very long time in a pot. Problems arise when it is so pot bound that it requires water too often. Your fern can then be moved up to a larger pot, or divided quite safely into several new pots. (See our 'Fern Tips' page for simple tricks to help when repotting your ferns).