Pellaea rotundifolia

The Pellaea rotundifolia, or Round-leaved Cliffbrake or Button Fern, is a very frost-sensitive rhizomatous species often cultivated indoors. This perennial plant has a distinctive appearance, with its dense spreading habit and delicate foliage divided into dark and glossy leaflets along almost black stems. It is grown in pots, in moist but not soggy soil, and in a bright and not too dry atmosphere.

The Pellaea rotundifolia belongs to the family of polypodiaceae, just like our common polypody. This botanical species is native to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, is not frost-tolerant, and dislikes dry atmospheres. It is a perennial fern with short, scaly, and creeping rhizomes, forming a beautiful tuft with a spreading and dense habit, reaching approximately 30 cm in height and 35-40 cm (16in) in width. Its growth is relatively slow. Its fronds are narrow, arched, and divided into 12 to 20 pairs of round leaflets measuring 1 cm (0in) in diameter, with serrated edges, glossy, and a relatively dark greyish-blue-green colour. Each frond ends with a larger oval leaflet. Each frond is supported by a petiole and crossed by a hairy, almost black rachis or central vein. The foliage is evergreen. When it thrives, this fern forms beautiful colonies over time.

Pellaea ferns are elegant with high ornamental value but not well suited for outdoor cultivation in our climates. Pellaea rotundifolia requires environments similar to tropical forests to thrive: filtered light, temperatures ranging from 15 to 22 °C (59 to 71.6°F), and not too dry air. It can be grown in pots, terrariums, floral compositions, bottle gardens, or containers. Consider, for example, asparagus ferns, Asplenium nidus, New Guinea impatiens, plectranthus, and other African violets to accompany it.