Complete guide to blue star fern care

Phlebodium, also known as the blue star fern, is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant and its distinctive blue-green foliage adds a touch of elegance to any room. We have two in our collection, Davina the phlebodium davana and Toby the phlebodium aureum. Here’s what you need to know:

• Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, but try to avoid the leaves
• In the wild it lives in the dappled light of a forest so while it won’t mind most light conditions, it’ll thrive in bright, indirect light
• A blue star fern loves humidity, so give mist it regularly to stop the leaves from crisping

This beautiful fern, with its full and frilly blue-green leaves, is an epiphyte. For those not fully up on their greek etymology, an epiphyte is a plant that grows on another plant. In tropical forests in the Americas, phlebodium will nestle in the branches of huge trees. You might not expect to find ferns in the Caribbean, but that’s where this typically calls home.

Your phlebodium prefers bright, indirect light. It will handle some direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but try to avoid placing it in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. You’ll know if your plant isn’t getting enough light as the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop.

A phlebodium likes to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use room temperature water and water thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain out of the nursery pot. Don’t let the plant sit in water, as this can lead to root rot. If you notice water collecting in the bottom of your decorative pot, just empty it out.

Like most ferns, a blue star fern prefers high humidity levels. You can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant, misting the leaves with water, or using a humidifier. Dry air can cause the leaves to brown and wilt, so it’s worth the extra effort.

A phlebodium prefers well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. You won’t need to worry about repotting your blue star fern when it arrives. When it’s time to repot, you can use a houseplant potting mix and add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. Don’t use heavy, clay-based soil, as this can lead to waterlogging.

A blue star fern prefers moderate temperatures between 18-24°C. It can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, but avoid exposing it to temperatures below 10°C, as this can damage the plant. Generally, if you’re comfortable, your fern will be too.

You can feed your blue star fern with a diluted balanced, water-soluble fertiliser. Fertilise your plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Don’t fertilise during the winter months as your plant will be dormant.

A phlebodium doesn’t need regular repotting. You can repot your plant every two to three years, or when the roots start to outgrow the pot. Use a slightly larger pot and fresh potting mix.

A phlebodium is a beautiful and low-maintenance houseplant that can thrive in most indoor environments. By following these care tips, you can enjoy your blue star fern and it will reward you with its stunning blue-green foliage.