How to prune button fern

Any time, as dead fronds appear. Cut dead or brown fronds at their base using clean, sharp scissors. Do not shear the plant or cut across individual fronds. For overcrowded plants, selectively remove the oldest fronds from the outer edge at the crown.

As needed; minimal — a few fronds a few times per year. Button fern needs little pruning. Remove individual fronds that brown or die by cutting cleanly at the base — do not trim across fronds, as the cut ends will turn brown permanently. If the plant becomes very crowded, remove the oldest outer fronds to improve airflow. Otherwise, leave the plant alone.

Cut dead or brown fronds at their base using clean, sharp scissors. Do not shear the plant or cut across individual fronds. For overcrowded plants, selectively remove the oldest fronds from the outer edge at the crown.