'Duffii' Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia): Miniature, Button-Like Pinnae for Tiny Spaces

Overview

'Duffii' (Nephrolepis cordifolia 'Duffii'), also called lemon button fern or erect sword fern, is a **charming miniature cultivar** of the southern sword fern. Its **tiny, rounded, button-like pinnae** (resembling lemon drops) are densely packed on short, upright fronds 6–12 inches tall. It forms a tight, compact clump without the aggressive spreading of the species—perfect for terrariums, fairy gardens, dish gardens, and small pots.

Miniature Charm

• Button Pinnae: Round, bead-like leaflets are irresistible.
• Non-Invasive: Clump-forming; no running rhizomes or tubers.
• Terrarium Star: Stays small and tidy in enclosed environments.

Culture

Bright, indirect light to partial shade. Evenly moist, well-draining soil. High humidity. More drought-tolerant than most ferns (tubers store water). Minimum 40°F (4°C); USDA zones 9–11 outdoors. Ideal for miniature gardens.

Taxonomic Profile

Tiny buttons of green on upright stems—'Duffii' is the fern world's cutest miniature.