Blue Star Fern Care: How to Grow & Care for Phlebodium Aureum

Jan 07 2023 Written by Ivy

The soil around Blue Star Ferns should be kept moist but not soggy with weekly waterings. In order to avoid getting their leaves wet, they prefer to keep their leaves dry.

Blue Star fern (Phlebodium Aureum) is a fern with rhizomes, native to the forest of South Africa. Blue Star fern is a kind of fern attached to plants. Like most heat-resistant ferns, the blue star fern plant likes a warm and humid growth environment, because the original place of blue star fern is a forest with light and shadow, with high humidity and strong heat resistance.

Blue Star Fern Quick Info

Botanical/Scientific Name	Phlebodium Aureum
Common Name	Golden polypody, Polypodium aureum, Polypodium leucotomos, Blue Star fern, Blue Star fern Plant
Uses	Plant as a border or use for underplanting in shady locations; Air Purification plant
Origin	Tropical rain forests of South America
Light Care	Indirect light and regular watering
Soil Care	Soil moist but not wet
Temperature Care	57ºF (14ºC) to 81°F (27°C)
Humidity Care	Around 75% or above
Watering	Weekly watering sessions
Pruning Care	Blue Star Ferns can't be pruned to promote specific growth
Fertilizer Care	Fertilize every 2-3 months while actively growing
Propagation	Propagate through the process of rhizomes division during transplantation
Toxic	Not toxic

Blue Star Fern Care in Detail

Watering

Blue Star Ferns enjoy weekly watering sessions, retaining their soil moist however now not wet. They additionally like to hold their leaves dry, so water from the facets and besides getting her leaves wet. Allow the pinnacle 2' of her soil to dry out between waterings throughout fall and winter.
The potting soil have to be saved constantly moist but no longer wet. It's first-rate to pass your Phlebodium Aureum to a sink or bathtub for watering. When the soil is dry to the touch, pour a constant however gradual movement of room temperature water into the top of the pot. Allow the water to continuously flush via the potting soil for a few minutes, then let the pot take a seat in the sink or bathtub till no greater water exits the drainage hole. After blue star fern has entirely drained, it's time to put your blue big name fern again on display. If you have a saucer under the pot, make positive it is empty and does now not comprise standing water which can lead to root rot.

Soil

Grow your blue star fern plant in well-draining soil, which will remain moist however now not waterlogged. As epiphytes, Blue Star Ferns usually develop on the floor of different plant life and supply their nutrient and moisture wishes from the buildup round it.
Because of these developing habits, it doesn't do extraordinary properly in wellknown potting soil.
You can amend a wellknown potting soil with the aid of including perlite or vermiculite to expand drainage and compost to preserve moisture. Combining equal components of every will supply you a well-draining, but moisture-retaining soil that will be ideal for your Blue Star Fern plant.
If you're no longer one to make you're very own potting soil, seem out for a bagged combined labeled as well-draining.

Light

Blue Star fern is no longer an extraordinarily color tolerant foliage plant. If it is frequently raised in the shade, the leaves of blue megastar fern will slowly alternate from blue grey to emerald green, and the colour of the leaves will grow to be darker and darker.
If you hold Blue Star fern plant in a area with extra sunshine and make sure adequate sunlight, blue megastar fern can make sure a true kingdom and develop faster. As lengthy as you keep away from exposure, you can supply extra sunshine and make the nation of blue superstar fern develop better.

Temperature

As for how to elevate Blue Star fern, in fact, blue big name fern is very handy to raise. Blue Star fern is appropriate to develop at zero ~ 20 ℃, no longer decrease than - 10 ℃ and now not greater than 30 ℃. Therefore, generally, you solely want to cross Blue Star fern indoors in winter, and you can go it indoors in summer season to cool down with air conditioning, however you want to water blue superstar fern often, So subsequently cross it to a cool place, and you'll higher spray some water on the leaves of blue big name fern to have a positive cooling effect.

Humidity

Being of the fern family, you can inform that the Phlebodium aureum enjoys its honest share of warmness and excessive humidity. Though this plant reigns from South to Central America, it can even be observed in the southern components of the United States, such as Florida and Georgia.
The Blue Star Fern plant appreciates greater tiers of humidity and temperatures ranging from 50-80°F (10-26°C), even though it doesn't like to ride the bloodless for greater than a few days at a time.

Fertilizer

Blue Star Fern takes place naturally in tropical areas, which capacity they require humidity and moist soil.
However, this plant will go through from waterlogged soil or water stands too lengthy in the pot.
There isn't any set agenda for watering this plant. It's best to water it as soon as a week, and barely greater all through its developing season.

Pruning

Snip away the damaged, diseased, or pest-infested fronds from time to time to hold the plant searching neat. To provide Blue Star Fern a first-rate shape, you can additionally prune away older and unpleasant fronds proper earlier than its developing season, i.e. in early spring.
Provide oblique mild and normal watering. The potting combine for blue big name fern ought to be free and rapid draining. When watering and potting, preserve in idea this Blue Star Fern's herbal habitat and increase habit: it lives on tree branches in the rain forest, so it likes everyday watering however it doesn't like to stand in water/wet soil. A potting combine offered for orchids is a accurate choice. Repot solely when the plant outgrows its pot; at that time cross it to a pot a couple of inches larger.

Repotting

Since repotting, I assume there may be been some new boom - Blue Star Fern actually receives in the way more! However I surprise if it truly is due to the fact it looks to be flatter now/is developing out alternatively than up (see pics). I concept Blue Star Fern may simply be a bit limp from dehydration - in the previous it would perk up when I watered it - however following watering there may be been little alternate to its shape. Usually this would make me involved about root rot, pests etc, however I'd be amazed if I've overwatered it (it's extra probably I've underwatered it because repotting as I've been paranoid about overwatering) and I cannot see any proof of pests.

Pest & Disease Control

Fern scales are small bugs that suck out sap from ferns, which destroys their stems and kills leaves. Phlebodium Aureum have to be disposed of rapidly earlier than they a couple of and kill the fern. If their numbers are low, select them off by means of hand and then spray a neem oil spray on the plant to hold them away. If there are many, then you need to scrape away all destroyed plant components and the spray Isopropyl alcohol at once on the insects. Do this outdoor due to the fact these bugs will run away and scatter.
Leaf drop takes place in this plant when it's no longer uncovered to ample shiny oblique light. The colours of its leaves will fade first, and then the leaves fall off a few days later. Always maintain Blue Star Fern plant in the front of a massive window or on a porch. Morning mild will additionally forestall leaf drop from occurring.
Root rot is a established disorder for this plant. Because the soil have to continually continue to be moist, it's effortless to overwater it. You will see root rot show up on the blue superstar fern when the backside of the plant starts offevolved to end up discolored and flip brown. To combat root rot, you need to totally change the soil round the plant and repot it in new soil. Root rot lives in the soil, so throw the ancient dust in the trash; do no longer use it on your different Blue Star Fern.

Blue Star Fern Propagation

Division

Ferns can be grown from clippings, additionally recognized as cuttings. Place a 1-inch layer of sand in the backside of a small pot for drainage. Plant the fern clipping 1 inch under the floor and gently cowl with dirt. Do now not pack down the soil.
how do Blue Star fern plant grow? Place it in oblique mild towards the middle of the room, or maintain it in an east-, west- or north-facing window, the place it will no longer obtain sunbeams all day. How to develop blue big name fern: Provide oblique mild and normal watering. The potting combine for blue megastar fern must be unfastened and speedy draining.
Low to average mild requirements, best for properties and offices. Water: Keep the soil moist at all times. Water when the floor will become barely dry, however do not over-do it, the Blue Star Fern might not thank you if it is left standing in water. Water from the aspects alternatively at once onto the leaves.

Propagate Blue Star Fern in Water

Not all Blue Star Fern plant reducing that will root in water have root nodes however most of them do so discover the root node on your plant or vine. Then cautiously reduce simply beneath the node with a easy sharp knife or scissors. About 1/4″ beneath the node.
When you first plant the rhizomes, go for a pot that's 5-6 inches in depth and width. Make positive that the pot has drainage holes at the backside to drain out the extra water. Avoid the use of terra cotta pot as it retains moisture and dries out quickly; instead, go for plastic or glazed ceramic pots. To add a bit of drama, go for a ornamental pot or placing baskets!

Blue Star Fern Benefits

Shape and colours

The Blue Star Fern has splendid barely curly leaves with a bluish gray tinge. Very chic. The leaves are now not shed; they department into fingers as they get older and keep their alluring colour. Five stars as a long way as we're concerned.

Symbolism

The identify says it all. You don't get a big name in your title for nothing. Phlebodium has proved itself to be an air purifying powerhouse. That blended with its cool seem makes the blue celebrity fern a treasured addition to any interior.

Origin

The Blue Star Fern is a member of the oak fern family. In the wild it grows in the pinnacle of cloud forests up to the swamps of Florida. These are relatively damp and difficult stipulations in which it usually manages to make Blue Star Fern survive.

Is the Blue Star Fern Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Phlebodium aureum, like many fern species that are related to it, is not toxic. This makes it a great choice if you are concerned that your plant might get eaten by your pets.

How to Buy Blue Star Fern

The houseplant section of some garden centers and retail establishments should carry this fern. This is a fairly common terrarium plant, so your local pet store is another good place to look if you can't seem to find the species there. As a result, you might find it in the terrarium section.

Given that the plant has been carefully bred for various leaf shapes and colors, it is important to remember that there are numerous varieties available. One of them is the "blue star" variety with its paw-shaped, rounded foliage. ‘The care is the same for regular Phlebodium aureum ferns, which have thinner leaves that more closely resemble other ferns. This also applies to the other three ferns in the small genus Phlebodium.

Should You Repot a Blue Star Fern After Purchase?

It's typically best to leave things as they are if you bring home a healthy Blue Star Fern planted in potting soil. Its roots have changed to fit that soil.

Although it might be alluring, it's probably not a good idea to repot using orchid mix unless the soil is extremely heavy.

Here are some considerations:

If they have adapted to it, Blue Star Ferns can flourish in well-draining potting soil.
The ideal medium for a plant is typically known by a nursery professional.
A regular potting mix may be simpler to maintain properly hydrated in a dry climate.
A soil mix rich in organic material can eventually become compacted through decomposition even if it is currently functioning well. Periodically evaluate the soil again.

Why My Blue Star Fern Non-Flowering

It's all about the leaves with blue star ferns. Despite not having flowers of its own, the plant's blue-green foliage makes for a lovely supporting backdrop for a flowering scene.

Two rows of bright orange, spore-producing dots on the underside of its fronds are the closest it comes to blooming. Interesting, but more of a scientific endeavor than a holiday display.

Blue Star Fern Growing Spores

Though it takes a lot longer using Mother Nature's method, it is possible.

When they are dry, gather the spores. One simple technique is to put a frond containing spores in a paper bag; once dry, shake the bag to collect the spores.
The planting mixture should be covered with the spores. Cover with transparent plastic, and mist the soil every other day or so to keep it moist. It should be warmer than 64 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius).
Though it could take as long as five, germination should start after two months.

Blue Star Fern Varieties

In terms of geological time, the Blue Star Fern has only recently evolved despite being one of the oldest plant families—older than dinosaurs or even flowers. They are part of the small Phlebodium genus.

The family's nomenclature may be unclear due to recent reclassification. Two similar species are sometime mistaken for the Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum):

Phlebodium pseudoaureum (Blue Rabbit's Foot Fern, Virginia Blue) – This plant, also known as Phlebodium areolatum, has thinner and less rounded leaves than the The care is the same even though Blue Star.
Phlebodium decumanum – Commercial growers of this tropical variety produce an alleged nutritional extract that promotes muscle recovery and lessens chronic fatigue. It is less tolerant of cool temperatures even though it is occasionally portrayed as a ruffled Blue Star variant.

There are also some hybrid Phlebodium variants on the market which may (or may not) vary slightly from the Blue Star Fern. One example is Phlebodium aureum ‘Fern known as Mandaianum or Crested Bear's Paw Fern.

Conclusion

Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any additional queries about blue star fern maintenance or wish to discuss your personal interactions with this lovely blue-green fern.

Blue Star Fern Care FAQs

Blue Star Fern Common Diseases

Blue Star Fern plant will inform itself. If you see white spots, extra than usual, on your plant, it potential the plant is below pests attack.
Identifying the malicious program earlier than any operation of elimination is recommended. Form established to specialist treatments can be required, such as:
The plant isn't inclined to diseases; however, a incorrect movements can get you and even your wholesome plant into trouble.
If you overwater your plant, it can face troubles like Root Rot. Note that root rot doesn't take days to occur; in fact, simply a few hours of overwatering can reason it. So, Please don't overwater your plant.
Blue Star Fern is a touchy plant and loves to be touched by using cleaned fingers and tools. You should sterilize your equipment nicely earlier than the usage of them.
If you preserve them too wet, powder like rust can show up on the leaves.

Blue Star Fern Brown Tips

This is a easy plant to care for. However, there are a few frequent issues that humans regularly run into with these plants.
Browning, black, or red leaves can regularly be precipitated via extra water sitting in the crown of the plant. Because Blue Star Fern are touchy to getting their leaves and crown wet, make certain you water simply the soil and no longer the foliage of the plant. Bottom watering is a exquisite way to water this plant.
Browning recommendations is frequently prompted by way of rare watering schedules or a lack of water. Keep your fern on a normal watering agenda to keep away from brown tipped leaves.
Locating this plant in the nurseries can be tricky. If you can't discover it in your neighborhood plant keep or greenhouse, we locate Etsy to be a awesome on line aid for buying plants.

Blue Star Fern Roots

An occasional misting above your plant is additionally advocated to assist enhance the humidity. When the Blue Star Fern is observed in its herbal surroundings it is typically developing upon different bushes and get most of it's vitamins from the air round it, as its roots aren't usually sitting soil.
Water the outer soil of your ferns pot when the pinnacle 3cm of your soil has dried out, or if your pot feels light. The blue star fern roots do now not like to be left moist so make certain that your pot has suitable drainage and you don't pour too a lot water in each time.

Is Blue Star Fern Poisonous to Cats

Generally, Blue Star Fern are safe. As its rhizome is said to be a treatment for cough and kidney problems. It is now not poisonous for animals. Even cats and puppies are now not in danger of blue superstar fern.
You can effortlessly develop in presence of your beautiful pets. Now, by means of cautiously following this special care sheet on Blue Star Fern you can without problems preserve your fern. Its place, appropriate pot, and all of its necessities are comprehensively described for your funky fern.
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