Lemon Button Fern
Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’ · Native to tropical Asia, Australia & the Americas
A dainty, compact fern with rows of tiny round leaflets and a faint lemony scent in the warm months. Softer and easier than most ferns, it’s pet-safe and perfect for small spaces, terrariums, and humid rooms.
Available in 5 inchCare
Light
Not your typical fern — it does well in bright, indirect light, though the light should be more subdued in summer.
Water
It likes to dry out a little between waterings, so be careful not to overwater. Limit misting compared with other ferns.
Soil, Humidity & Feeding
Enjoys higher humidity — great for terrariums, bathrooms, or kitchens. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer diluted by half every few months in the growing season.
Details
Cute and compact, with arching fronds of small round leaflets that give off a gentle lemon scent in spring and summer.
- ✅ Cute, compact growth — perfect for small spaces
- ✅ Gentle lemon scent adds a refreshing touch
- ✅ Pet-safe and non-toxic
Size
Available in a 5 inch pot.
Good to Know
🌿 The Lemon Button Fern is considered non-toxic and pet-friendly. Grown for decoration and not meant for human or animal consumption.
Plant Bio
Nephrolepis cordifolia ‘Duffii’ · the Lemon Button Fern
The Lemon Button Fern is a compact cultivar of Nephrolepis cordifolia, a sword fern found across tropical Asia, Australia, and the Americas. It’s a dwarf relative of the big Boston fern — but far tidier, with arching fronds lined by rows of tiny, round, button-like leaflets.
Its name has two parts: “button” for those little round pinnae, and “lemon” for the faint citrusy scent it releases in spring and summer. It stays small and neat, making it ideal for terrariums, desks, and shelves.
Happily, it’s more forgiving than most ferns: it tolerates a bit of drying between waterings and doesn’t demand constant misting, though it still appreciates the humidity of a kitchen or bathroom. Give it bright, indirect light (softer in high summer) and it stays lush.
Soft, scented, and pet-safe, it’s a lovely low-drama fern.
How is it different from other ferns?
- Small, round, button-like leaflets rather than lacy fronds.
- Gives off a faint lemon scent in the warm months.
- More drought-forgiving and less misting-dependent than most ferns.
- Compact, tidy, and pet-friendly.
Note: The Lemon Button Fern is considered non-toxic and pet-friendly. Grown for ornamental purposes and not intended for human or animal consumption.