Dendyi's Brass Buttons Leptinella dendyi

Water

The Brass Buttons should be watered moderately, maintaining slight moisture without over-saturating the soil. It's best to water this plant once every week with approximately 16-24 ounces of water, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. During the growing season in spring and summer, you might need to water more frequently, especially if the plant is in a warmer, sunnier location. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing. It's crucial to ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent water-logging which can lead to root rot.

Light

Brass Buttons thrive in full to partial sunlight, making them suitable for areas where they can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, which can prevent the leaves from scorching. However, too much shade can lead to sparse growth and fewer flowers, so a sunny spot with a bit of afternoon shade is ideal.

Temperature

Brass Buttons are resilient and can handle a range of temperatures, preferring an ideal range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures of approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures outside of these ranges can stress the plant and affect its growth.

Pruning

Pruning Brass Buttons is primarily done to maintain their compact shape and to remove any dead or damaged foliage to encourage healthy growth and appearance. Prune lightly during the growing season as needed to keep the growth dense and to prevent the plants from becoming too leggy. The best time for more extensive pruning is late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For Brass Buttons (Leptinella dendyi), the best soil mix is one that is well-draining, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for this plant, ensuring healthy growth and foliage development.

Repotting

Brass Buttons (Leptinella dendyi) does not need frequent repotting. It can be repotted once every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container, to refresh the soil and provide room for growing.

Humidity & Misting

Brass Buttons (Leptinella dendyi) prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. They can tolerate a range of atmospheric moisture levels but thrive best when not too dry.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Brass Buttons in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, well-draining soil, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Leptinella dendyi, also known as "Button fern," begins its life cycle as a spore, which germinates to develop into a prothallus—the fern's gametophyte stage. This heart-shaped prothallus houses both male and female reproductive structures that, when mature, allow for internal fertilization. Upon successful fertilization, it gives rise to a new sporophyte, which is the fern's leafy stage commonly recognized as the plant itself. The sporophyte grows and forms fronds that unroll from fiddleheads, gradually expanding and maturing to produce sporangia on the undersides of the fronds. These sporangia release spores when they mature, which are dispersed by wind to begin the cycle anew. As a perennial, Leptinella dendyi will pass through these stages repeatedly throughout its life, which can span several years in suitable growing conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Leptinella dendyi, commonly known as Brass Buttons, is through division of the rhizomes. This is typically done in late winter or early spring, when the plant is not actively growing. To propagate by division, gently lift the plant from the ground and use a sharp, clean knife or spade to divide the rhizome into pieces, each with several leaves. Ensure that each division has at least one shoot or bud. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. The soil should be well-draining and divisions should be kept moist until they are established.