Description
Lemon Button fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia, often sold as ‘Duffii’) is a petite fern with delicate arching fronds lined with small, rounded, button-like leaflets. It typically grows about 12 inches tall and wide, making it a good fit for tabletop planters, terrariums with airflow, and shaded patio arrangements. The foliage may have a faint lemony scent when handled.
Grow in bright indirect light and a loose, organic-rich potting mix with good drainage. Keep the soil lightly and evenly moist, but do not leave the roots in standing water. In Alabama, shelter it from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds; indoor heating can also dry the fronds in winter. Feed sparingly during spring and summer. Although some sources list hardiness near Zones 8–10, cold tolerance varies, so moving container plants inside before a freeze is the safest approach.
