Phlebodium aureum - Blue star fern

I’m delighted to talk about one of our absolute favourites. The Phlebodium aureum, or the Blue Star Fern, is a real showstopper. Unlike many of its finicky fern cousins, this one is actually quite forgiving and adds a gorgeous, moody aesthetic to any room with its unique sea-foam green foliage.

Origins and Personality

The Blue Star Fern hails from the tropical and subtropical forests of the Americas, spanning from Florida all the way down to South America. In the wild, it’s an epiphyte, meaning it grows on the branches of trees rather than in the soil.

What makes it so striking are its elongated, wavy fronds that have a distinct silvery-blue hue. It doesn't look like your typical "leafy" fern; it has more of a wild, prehistoric vibe that I personally find fascinating.

Care Guide

To keep your Blue Star Fern thriving in a British home (where light and humidity can be a bit of a gamble), here is my tried-and-tested advice:

• Light: It prefers bright, indirect light. A North or East-facing windowsill is perfect. Avoid direct afternoon sun, as those beautiful blue fronds will scorch and turn crisp.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. I usually wait until the top centimetre of soil feels dry before watering again.

• The "Rhizome" Rule: You’ll notice furry, ginger-coloured "feet" (rhizomes) creeping over the soil. Avoid pouring water directly onto these, as they can rot. Water around the edges of the pot instead.

• Humidity: Being a tropical plant, it loves a bit of steam. It’s a brilliant choice for a bathroom or kitchen. If you keep it in a drier room, give it a mist every few days or pop it on a pebble tray.

• Temperature: It’s quite happy in standard household temperatures). Just be sure to keep it away from cold draughts or hot radiators during the winter months.

• Feeding: During the growing season (Spring and Summer), give it a balanced liquid fertiliser at half-strength once a month. There’s no need to feed it during the winter.

• Potting Mix: Since it's an epiphyte, it likes a well-draining mix. A blend of houseplant compost with a bit of added orchid bark or perlite works wonders.

Top Tip

If you see the fronds turning a bit brown at the very tips, it’s usually a sign that the air is a bit too dry. If the fronds are turning yellow, you might be over-watering!