Nephrolepis cordifolia
Nephrolepis cordifolia (Lemon Button Fern) Care Guide
Featured photonephrolepis-cordifolia.jpgNephrolepis cordifolia, sold as Lemon Button Fern, is a fern in the order Polypodiales. A pantropical fern with very small rounded leaflets arranged in tight pairs along arching fronds, the small leaflets giving the trade name 'lemon button'. More compact than the related N. exaltata (Boston fern). Like most cultivated ferns it tolerates lower light than flowering plants, prefers humid conditions, and propagates either by clump division or by spores from the underside of mature fronds.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 1 to 2 cm of mix has dried; ferns prefer evenly moist soil.
- Humidity
- 50–80 %
- Temperature
- 15–24 °C
- Soil
- Humus-rich free-draining mix with peat or coir, perlite, and small bark.
- Origin
- Tropical and temperate forests worldwide; specific origins vary by species.
- Mature size
- 20 to 80 cm tall depending on species.
Overview
Nephrolepis cordifolia sits in the fern order Polypodiales, the largest fern order. A pantropical fern with very small rounded leaflets arranged in tight pairs along arching fronds, the small leaflets giving the trade name 'lemon button'. More compact than the related N. exaltata (Boston fern). Ferns reproduce by spores released from sori (small brown patches) on the underside of mature fronds rather than by seeds.
Care Priorities
- Bright filtered light, never direct midday sun.
- Keep the mix evenly moist, never sodden.
- Steady humidity above 50 percent prevents frond crisping.
- Trim spent fronds at the base.
Common Problems
Brown crispy edges signal dry air or under-watering. Pale fronds suggest too much direct light. Sustained wet feet cause root rot.
Sources & further reading (2)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-29
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-29
Frequently asked questions
How is N. cordifolia different from Boston fern?
N. cordifolia produces much smaller, rounder leaflets than the larger-leaved N. exaltata (Boston fern), and the overall plant stays more compact at 30 to 40 cm tall versus 60 cm or more. N. cordifolia also tolerates slightly drier air and brighter light than the Boston fern.
Why are the frond edges browning?
Brown frond tips on most cultivated ferns trace back to dry air, fluoride or chlorine in tap water, or under-watering. Move to a more humid spot, switch to filtered or rainwater, and keep the mix evenly moist.
Should I cut off old fronds?
Yes — trim spent or damaged fronds at the base with clean scissors. New fronds (croziers) push from the rhizome regardless, and removing old foliage tidies the plant and redirects energy into new growth.
