How to Grow Blue Star Fern in Container | Phlebodium aureum Care
Learn how to grow Blue Star Fern in Container. It’s easy to grow in the indoor space as it requires low lighting!
Blue star fern is valued as a houseplant because of its resilient nature in low lighting conditions. The large and lobed fronds are eye-catchy and come in bright green to glaucous green hues. It’s native to the rainforests of South America, and its natural habitat grows epiphytically at the base of other trees. The ability to grow well in low light makes it easy to grow the blue star fern as a houseplant in the indoor spaces of home and office. Without further ado, here is all you need to know about growing Blue-star fern in a container!
Scientific Name: Phlebodium aureum
Common Names: Golden polypody, Golden serpent fern, Cabbage palm fern, Gold-foot fern, Blue-star fern, Hare-foot fern
How to Grow Blue Star Fern in Container
Blue Star Fern Propagation
All ferns, including the blue star fern, reproduce and multiply by spores and not by seeds. Although it’s possible to propagate the blue star ferns from spores, it can take ages and is a complicated process. The ideal way to propagate Blue Star fern is by the division of rhizomes in the springs. To propagate it from rhizomes:
- Take a small fragment of the rhizome, which has more than two leaves intact.
- Sprinkle root powder to the cut portion of the plant to facilitate rooting.
- Plant the rhizome in a pot about an inch below the surface of the potting medium.
- Tap lightly around the base so that the rhizome is firmly set and does not topple.
- Water to make the potting medium moist and allow the excess water to drain from the bottom.
That’s it! Soon the Blue star Fern will root and start to show new growth.
Choosing a Container
When you first plant the rhizomes, go for a pot that’s 5-6 inches in depth and width. Make sure that the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to drain out the excess water. Avoid using 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 decorative pot or hanging baskets!
Repotting
Springs and summers are ideal for transplanting Blue Star fern to a new pot when it outgrows the old one. When the fern becomes too crowded for the old pot or becomes pot bound, you’ll know it’s time to move it to a larger pot.
Temperature
It’ll do well in average room temperature ranging from 5o to 80 degrees F. In cold conditions, move the pot to a warm spot in your house as it won’t tolerate chilly weather.
Location
Choose a spot that receives indirect light for a significant part of the day. West or north-facing windows are good placing spots as it gets direct sun only during morning and evening hours. Another perfect place to locate blue star fern is at the center table as a centerpiece. To sum it up, any location with indirect light is ideal for placing Blue Star fern.
Soil
Well-draining potting mix such as epiphytic orchid mix or houseplant specific potting mix works well for growing blue star fern. You can add a few tablespoons of perlite to improve the drainage of the potting mix. Avoid using garden soil for planting blue star fern as it isn’t loose and turns soggy and waterlogged when not amended with organic matter.
Watering
Watering is an important factor when it comes to growing Blue Star Fern. The rule of thumb is to keep the soil moist but not watering so much that the soil turns soggy. To begin with, water once a week and then change the watering cycle depending on the need of the plant and surrounding conditions. In the growing season, which is summers and springs, the plant requires more water than in winters.
Blue Star Fern Care
Humidity
It’s native to the rainforests of South America, so in its natural habitat, it enjoys high humid conditions. In dry surroundings, raise the humidity levels by placing a pebble tray filled with water near the pot or misting the plant. Placing the blue star fern near other houseplants will also keep its surroundings humid.
Fertilizing
Although many ferns require regular fertilization, that’s not the case with blue star fern. Nutritionally rich soil doesn’t require fertilization, but if the soil lacks nutrients, you can use a fertilizer designed for a houseplant. Dilute the fertilizer half to its strength and apply when it’s in a growing phase in the springs and summer. Do not overfertilize the plant as it can lead to brown tips and burned roots. Avoid fertilizing in winters!
Pests and Diseases
Pests do not bother Blue Star Fern still; if you see some common garden pests lurking around, handpicking them will suffice. Root rot due to overwatering and soggy soil is the only problem you’ll encounter.
Blue Star Fern Toxic
Blue star fern houseplant is non-toxic and safe for both cats and dogs. So you can leave it near the presence of your beloved pets without any fear!
