Phlebodium aureum, commonly known as the Blue Star Fern, is an evergreen tropical fern with distinctive blue-green foliage. Its arching fronds are divided into broad, wavy sections, giving the plant a relaxed and architectural appearance.

Native to tropical regions of the Americas, the Blue Star Fern naturally grows as an epiphyte on trees and other surfaces in humid forests. This makes it well suited to warm indoor environments with good humidity and indirect light.

Key features

• Evergreen tropical fern
• Distinctive blue-green foliage
• Arching, deeply divided fronds
• Attractive creeping rhizomes
• Suitable for humid indoor spaces
• Can be grown in large tropical terrariums

Plant size

• Height: around 50cm to 100cm when mature
• Spread: around 50cm to 100cm

Other common names

• Blue Star Fern
• Golden Polypody
• Golden Serpent Fern

How to grow Phlebodium aureum

• Grow in bright to medium indirect light
• It can tolerate lower light levels but growth may slow
• Protect from strong direct sunlight
• Provide warm temperatures and good humidity
• Use a loose, humus-rich and free-draining growing medium
• Keep away from cold draughts

Watering your Blue Star Fern

• Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Water when the surface just begins to dry
• Use room-temperature rainwater where possible
• Water around the edge of the pot rather than directly onto the rhizomes
• Do not leave the pot standing permanently in water
• Reduce watering slightly during cooler periods

Rhizomes

You may notice thick, creeping rhizomes growing across the surface of the compost. These are a normal part of Phlebodium aureum and should not be buried deeply.

Avoid pouring water directly over the rhizomes. Keeping them constantly wet can encourage rot, so water around them or from below.

Humidity and terrarium growing

Blue Star Ferns appreciate higher humidity and can work well in large tropical terrariums and planted vivariums. Their unusual blue-green fronds contrast well with darker foliage, mosses and smaller tropical plants.

Bear its mature size in mind when choosing a position. Phlebodium aureum can develop into a substantial fern, so allow enough room for its arching fronds to spread.

Do you want a fern that looks different from the usual bright green varieties? Phlebodium aureum combines unusual blue-green foliage with an easy-going growth habit, making it a distinctive addition to humid indoor planting.