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Pale Leaves in Button Fern
verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team
A compact, low-growing fern from New Zealand featuring small, dark green, rounded leaflets resembling buttons along wiry stems
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Button Fern care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to pale leaves in Button Fern. Check each one as a potential cause.
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Light
Bright, indirect light; tolerates partial shade; avoid direct sun which can fade frond color
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Fertiliser
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season; reduce or skip in winter months
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Water
Keep soil lightly moist; allow surface to dry between waterings; do not overwater; reduce watering in winter
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Button Fern
- fiber_manual_recordWashed-out, pale colour
- fiber_manual_recordYellowing between veins
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Common causes in Button Fern
- fiber_manual_recordIron deficiency
- fiber_manual_recordMagnesium deficiency
- fiber_manual_recordToo much direct sun
- fiber_manual_recordAlkaline soil
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How to diagnose pale leaves in Button Fern
Interveinal yellowing on new growth = iron deficiency. On old growth = magnesium deficiency.
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How to treat pale leaves in Button Fern
Apply chelated iron or Epsom salt as appropriate. Adjust soil pH.
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Preventing pale leaves in Button Fern
Use ericaceous compost for acid-loving plants. Feed with micronutrient fertiliser.