Overwintering guide
How to overwinter lemon button fern
Winter watering
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
The mistake that kills lemon button fern in winter
Bringing lemon button fern into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.
More lemon button fern care
- Overwintering lemon button fern — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Overwintering lemon button fern — our other guide for the same plant
- Full lemon button fern care guide
- Lemon Button Fern temperature range
- How often to water lemon button fern
- How to prune lemon button fern
- Common lemon button fern problems & fixes
- Best plant identifier apps — tested and ranked
Overwintering lemon button fern — FAQ
Does lemon button fern need to come indoors for winter?
Lemon Button Fern is hardy to roughly USDA zone 9 — winter lows around -7°C. That means it takes cool conditions but not a real freeze. Lemon Button Fern will take cool conditions but not a hard freeze, so the aim is a frost-free winter rather than a warm one. An unheated greenhouse, porch, conservatory or bright garage all work well. Keep it cool, bright and on the dry side, and it will hold steady until growth restarts in spring.
When should I move lemon button fern for winter?
Move under cover before the first hard frost; back outside after the last spring frost.
How often should I water lemon button fern in winter?
Water only occasionally — enough that the rootball never dries out completely, no more. No feeding until spring growth begins.
What kills lemon button fern over winter?
Bringing lemon button fern into a warm living room. Too much winter warmth forces weak, pale growth that collapses when it goes back outside — cool and bright beats warm and dim.