Plant Profile
Blue Star Fern
a.k.a. Phlebodium aureum // Hare Foot Fern
The Phlebodium Aureum, most commonly known as the Blue Star Fern, has an unusual appearance compared to other ferns with its attractive blue-green, elongated, textured leaves. The funky looking Blue Star Fern, originally from the tropical rainforests of South America, is an epiphyte (a plant that grows on another plant) and in its natural habitat can be found growing on the branches of huge trees.
Top Tips
✔ Ensure that the soil remains moist all year round. Droughts will result in leaves turning yellow or brown which can take a long time to rectify.
✔ Remember there is a difference between moist and soggy! Make sure the Blue Star Fern is planted in well aerated and quick draining soil to avoid it going soggy.
Plant Care
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In the rainforest the Blue Star Fern lives in dappled light in the trees; imitate this environment by positioning the plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect light.
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Avoid pouring water directly into the heart of the plant as the Blue Star Fern is sensitive to root rot, due to the natural hairy red/brown delicate root stalk that the fronds grow out of (these are usually visible from the top of the soil). We recommend either watering from the sides or bottom of the pot, and aiming to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
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As the Blue Star Fern hails from the rainforest it loves a high humidity environment, making it the perfect house plant for a steamy bathroom. If you’re unable to position the plant in a humid room we suggest misting it every other day to help increase humidity levels.
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The Blue Star Fern does not require a lot of feeding. During the summer months diluted regular plant fertiliser can be added occasionally. Be careful not to overfeed the plant as this can cause damage!
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When it comes to temperature, the Blue Star Fern isn’t very demanding. Room temperature is fine, however make sure to keep an eye on the temperature during the winter months and ensure it’s not getting too chilly.
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This plant is not toxic.
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The easiest way to propagate a Blue Star Fern is by dividing its rhizomes. Using a clean tool, cut a small fragment of the rhizome with a number of leaves and sprinkle this with powdered charcoal. Next, transfer the rhizome into a pot, making sure the roots of the rhizome are lying on top of the soil. Water the plant appropriately and watch it grow!
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The Blue Star Fern does not need to be repotted very often. If the plant is getting too big for its pot or you notice that the roots are becoming crowded it is time to repot.
Quick plant check up
Brown leaf tips
These can be caused by under watering or very dry air. Remember to keep the soil moist and mist the plant regularly.
Leaves dying in the heart of the plant
The Blue Star Fern is very sensitive to root rot, make sure to water the plant from the sides or bottom of the pot. If this problem continues you will need to check for root rot.
