The Nephrolepis, or Lemon Button Fern, is one of the most pleasant small ferns an Indoor Gardener can grow. Once it finds its place in your home, and you establish its care cycle, it's pretty much care-free.

A small fern that grows to about a foot high and not much more across, it boasts tiny arching stems. Leaves are round with very small serrated edges that alternate up the stem.

When handled, there's a lemon scent, which - in addition to its yellowish gold color - gives the fern its name.

CARE / SPECIAL NEEDS

Watch the base of the fronds. If they turn brown, you're either under- or over-watering. Care for the Lemon Button Fern is similar to that for any of the Boston Ferns, but as with any plant, pay attention to its particular needs in your location.

LIGHT: low, filtered shade; no direct afternoon sun
WATER: moderate; keep soil moist - don't let it dry out; don't allow it to get soggy
SOIL: mix peat moss into potting soil; well draining
HUMIDITY: high; use gravel tray
MISTING: only if home air is very dry
FERTILIZER: spring-early fall, once per 3-4 weeks; liquid fertilizer, half strength
TEMP: 60s - high 80s