Phlebodium aureum Blue Star - Golden polypody

Phlebodium aureum ‘Blue Star’, also known as the blue fern or golden polypody ‘Blue Star’, is a highly decorative indoor fern prized for its slightly crinkled, bluish foliage. This plant creates a tropical woodland atmosphere in the living room, conservatory, or bathroom. Whether in a hanging basket or on a shelf, its trailing fronds create a generous, yet airy volume. Quite easy to grow in a somewhat humid atmosphere, this variety is an excellent candidate for enriching an indoor plant collection.

Phlebodium aureum belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. This species, formerly named Polypodium aureum, is native to the tropical and subtropical forests of the American continent, from Florida and the Antilles to Brazil, Venezuela, and Paraguay. It is an epiphytic fern, which attaches itself to tree trunks or palms.
‘Blue Star’ is a cultivar selected for the blue-green colour of its fronds, which have a slightly powdery reverse. The plant develops a thick, creeping rhizome, covered in golden scales, from which clusters of evergreen fronds emerge, divided into elongated, finger-like lobes. Indoors, the clump reaches 40 to 60 cm in height with a spread of 60 to 80 cm. Its growth is rather rapid when warmth and humidity are present. The soft, arching, 30 to 50 cm long fronds are a matt blue-green colour that stands out beautifully against a light background. Like all ferns, it produces sori containing spores on the reverse of its fronds.
Phlebodium aureum ‘Blue Star’ is considered non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs; however, it is still prudent to avoid any ingestion.

For indoor cultivation, provide it with bright light without direct sun, a fairly humid atmosphere, and stable temperatures between 17 and 24 °C, avoiding prolonged periods below 10 °C. It tolerates being placed outside in the warmer season, sheltered from the sun. This plant is suitable for attentive beginners, forgiving occasional missed waterings but primarily disliking overly dry air and stagnant water in the pot. It thrives particularly well in the living room, kitchen, or a well-lit bathroom, where steam contributes to its well-being.

In terms of décor, Phlebodium ‘Blue Star’ works well in a light terracotta or white ceramic planter. In a bright room, place it in a hanging basket or on the edge of a bookshelf to let its fronds trail, then create a "humid forest" corner by playing with shapes. You can place a kangaroo paw fern (Microsorum diversifolium) right next to it, which is more compact and darker, then add a Begonia rex ‘Escargot’ and a Fittonia ‘Pink Special’ in low pots.