Blue star ferns are beautiful tropical foliage. The fast growing fronds have a blue hue to them which makes these ferns look different from most other ferns. The fronds fan out in a star-like pattern (hence the name!). Ferns like a shaded location so be careful not to put yours too close to the window sill and stay away from bright light. Ferns like a high humidity environment so a kitchen or bathroom is ideal for this beautiful tropical.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Phlebodium aureum (golden polypody, golden serpent fern, cabbage palm fern, gold-foot fern, blue-star fern, hare-foot fern; syn. Polypodium aureum, Polypodium leucotomos) is an epiphytic fern native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
It is a rhizomatous fern, with the creeping rhizome 8–15 mm (rarely 30 mm) in diameter, densely covered in the golden-brown scales that give the species its name. The fronds are large and pinnatifid (deeply lobed), from 30 to 130 cm long and 10–50 cm broad, with up to 35 pinnae; they vary in color from bright green to glaucous green and have undulate margins. Several round sori run along each side of the pinna midrib, and the minute spores are wind-dispersed. The fronds are evergreen in areas with year-round rainfall, semi-evergreen or briefly deciduous in areas with a marked dry season.
This fern is rarely terrestrial in habitat, usually colonizing the canopies of tropical rainforests and the dwarf palms of subtropical forests. It is common in the cloud forests of the Caribbean and northern South America. It grows in varied habitats in Florida, including swamps and hammocks, and can thus apparently tolerate a wide range of microclimates. Its restriction to the tropics and subtropics is readily explained by its intolerance of anything other than very brief, light frosts. High levels of light are also critical for the growth of this species, and its deciduous habit allows it to invade relatively dry areas.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
While many ferns thrive in low light conditions, the blue star fern appreciates plenty of medium to bright indirect light. It can still survive in low light conditions, but its foliage will be sparser and less lush. Avoid prolonged periods of intense direct sunlight, which can burn this plant’s delicate leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
This fern appreciates warm temperatures and average to high humidity. Standard household temperature and humidity levels are usually fine, but it certainly won’t protest if it’s given a little extra humidity. Naturally humid rooms in the home such as bathrooms and laundry rooms are great spots to grow a blue star fern, or you can increase humidity using a small humidifier near the plant. Avoid placing your fern close to drafty vents and windows which will dry out the air. Keep temperatures between 57 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit (14 to 27 degrees Celsius).
Watering
Like most ferns, the blue star fern appreciates consistent moisture. However, the way you water your fern will depend on the type of soil mix you have it potted in.
If you are using orchid bark, you should water your plant using a soak-and-dry method. This is done by filling a bowl (or your sink) with room temperature water and placing the pot directly in the water, ensuring the roots are submerged. Let the plant sit in the water for 15 to 20 minutes so the orchid bark can absorb the water. In order for this method to work, the plant needs to be potted in a pot with drainage holes so the water can drain freely from the pot when it’s removed. Water your fern once or twice a week during spring and summer, and cut back in fall and winter.
Alternatively, if you are using a mix with soil (which holds water a bit more easily), it’s best to water when the top inch of soil has dried out. The soil should be consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Be careful not to overwater your blue star fern as these plants are sensitive to root rot.
Soil
Since blue star ferns are naturally epiphytic, they do best in a loose, airy potting mix. A soilless mix such as orchid bark mix is perfect. If you do use soil, be sure to add plenty of perlite and orchid bark to make the mix super chunky and airy.
Fertilizing
The blue star fern is not considered a high feeder but appreciates regular fertilization during the spring and summer months. Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during watering. Stop fertilizing in fall as soon as temperatures start to drop.
Propagation
Blue star ferns are most easily propagated by division, although mature plants can also be reproduced by spores. Propagation is a great way to create new plants, or thin out a large plant. To propagate your blue star fern by division, follow these simple steps:
- Remove your blue star fern from its pot and lay it sideways to examine the root ball.
- Using your hands, gently tease apart the roots until you can separate a clump of fronds from the main plant. Be careful to break as few roots as you can in the process.
- If necessary, use a sharp, clean knife or pair of pruning shears to cut away any roots that are holding the plants together and preventing division.
- Pot the newly divided plant in a separate container using a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly.
- Return both plants to their original locations and keep the soil evenly moist.
Potting and Repotting
The blue star fern does not need to be repotted often—every two to three years once it’s outgrown its pot is all it needs. Choose a new pot that is only two to four inches larger than the last container, and refresh as much of the soil as you can during repotting. If possible, wait until spring or summer to repot since the plant is actively growing in these months.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Like most houseplants, the blue star fern is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Look for pests like spider mites, thrips, fungus gnats, and diseases like crown rot and root rot. Avoid crown rot by ensuring you never pour water on the fronds of the plant during watering, and provide plenty of drainage in the soil to prevent root rot.
Common Problems
Ferns are known for being tricky to grow as houseplants due to their preference for humid conditions and frequent watering. While the blue star fern is known for being relatively hardy and easy to grow, it is still susceptible to a few common problems.
Browning Fronds
Fronds that are turning brown and crispy are usually a sign that your fern needs higher humidity or is suffering from underwatering. Unfortunately, there’s no way to save a frond that has already turned brown and crispy, but by adjusting the fern’s growing conditions you can prevent future fronds from dying off.
Curling Fronds
Another common symptom of underwatering and a lack of humidity is fronds curling in on themselves. Try adding a small humidifier to your plant’s growing environment, or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to increase humidity.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Phlebodium aureum is well-adapted to cultivation and is valued both as an ornamental plant and in herbal medicine.
It can be cultivated in greenhouses in non-tropical climates if night temperatures do not fall below about 5 °C. Several cultivars have been selected for garden planting, with varying leaf color from grey-green to silver-green to blue-green, or with cristate or very wavy frond margins.
- Medicinal uses
Decoctions have been used as a panacea in Central American folk medicine. These tonics were prescribed for a multitude of ailments, ranging from asthma to heart disease. Modern medicine has also investigated P. aureum, often using the deprecated synonym Polypodium leucotomos.
Oral consumption of Polypodium leucotomos extract has also been studied for the treatment of dermatologic disorders including melasma, vitiligo, psoriasis, polymorphous light eruption, atopic dermatitis, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, photoaging and skin cancer.
Oral consumption of Polypodium leucotomos extract has been shown to protect the skin from ultraviolet light damage. Clinical studies have shown that Polypodium leucotomos extract provides photoprotection against the effects of both UVB and UVA light. A review of 19 human and 6 basic scientific studies showed that Polypodium leucotomos was well tolerated with a favorable side effect profile. Consequently, Polypodium leucotomos supplementation has been posited as an adjunct photoprotection strategy in combination with traditional UV filters, such as sunscreen.
Find Where to Buy the Best Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)
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