You may not know it by name, but you’ve likely admired the lovely, lacey House Plant Gardening fronds of a lemon button fern many times. Lemon button ferns have been growing in window boxes and planters for centuries. This lush, little plant never fails to add delicate beauty to any space. And virtually anyone can grow a lemon button fern. They’re happy in a pot or planted directly into the ground, preferring partial sun and moist soil. They’re also easy to care for once established, requiring only occasional water and fertilizing when first planted indoors. Lemon button ferns are hardy indoor plants that will continue thriving year after year with minimal attention. Read on to learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for lemon button ferns!

What is a Lemon Button Fern?
Lemon button ferns are tropical plants that produce delicate, lacy fronds (leaves) that are often decorated with silvery markings. These plants are epiphytic, which means they don’t grow in soil. Instead, they attach themselves to host trees, feeding on nutrients that leach from the bark. Lemon button ferns are available as either indoor or outdoor plants. Indoor plants are generally smaller and less robust than outdoor varieties. They also prefer a bit more shade than outdoor plants, which need to be exposed to more sunlight to thrive. Lemon button ferns have long been associated with springtime charm,- and for good reason. They grow tall, trailing vines loaded with tiny, heart-shaped leaves. These fronds cascade from the vines in long, graceful strands that often have buds that resemble tiny lemon buttons.

Where Did the Name Come From?
We don’t know the person who first gave this lovely plant its name, but we do know they had excellent taste! When you grow lemon button ferns, you’ll understand why. The foliage is so finely textured, that it looks as if it’s been woven together in perfect patterns. Lemon button ferns thrive in pots and window boxes, adding bright and cheerful color to indoor spaces. Their leaves are a combination of white, green, and yellow, and the overall impression is one of the lemons (which are yellow) sprinkled with a bit of green. As mentioned, these plants are epiphytes, and this is reflected in their appearance. They often have crisscrossed vines that give them a lemony appearance, almost as if they have been woven together with lemon slices. Hence, the name!

Growing Conditions for Lemon Button Ferns
Lemon button ferns are indoor plants that prefer a partial shade. They do best in a location that receives a combination of sunlight and shade. Too much direct sunlight will cause their leaves to burn. Lemon button ferns are tropical plants that need warmth and humidity to thrive. They don’t do well in the winter, so if you want to keep yours going year-round, it’s a good idea to bring it inside when the temperatures start to drop. An unheated basement, a sunny windowsill, or a greenhouse are all great locations. Lemon button ferns thrive in moist soil that has been enriched with compost. You’ll want to water them regularly, but don’t allow the soil to become soggy.

Tips for Growing Lemon Button Ferns
- Choose a Pot that’s Big Enough: When you first bring your lemon button fern home, you’ll want to place it in a pot that’s big enough to accommodate its mature size. A 4-inch-diameter pot should do the trick. - Fertilize During the Growing Season: You’ll want to start fertilizing your lemon button fern when it’s in its first year of growth. Feed it once every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half the recommended strength. - Keep the Soil Moist: Like most plants, lemon button ferns prefer slightly moist soil that has been enriched with compost. These plants don’t like soggy soil, so it’s important to water them regularly without letting the soil become waterlogged.

Caring for Lemon Button Ferns
- Prune the Vines: When you first bring your plant home, you can begin pruning the vines to shape them and keep them from becoming too leggy. You can remove up to a quarter of the vines, but make sure you leave at least three leaves on each section you cut. - Repot When Necessary: Lemon button ferns need to be repotted every one or two years. This will help them remain healthy and vigorous. - Watch the Temperature: If you bring your lemon button fern indoors during the winter, make sure the room it’s in stays above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, you run the risk of killing your plant.

Conclusion
Lemon button ferns are beautiful epiphytic plants that thrive indoors. They do best when placed in partial shade, and they require regular watering and fertilizing. They’re relatively easy to care for once established, making them a great choice for beginners who want to try their hands at growing tropical plants. If you’ve ever admired the delicate beauty of a lemon button fern, now’s your chance to grow one of your own! And the next time you gaze upon the delicate, woven texture of their leaves, remember the name behind their beauty.

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