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Phlebodium aureum (Blue Star Fern)
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© Lexi Amico, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · iNaturalist
Houseplants

Phlebodium aureum

Blue Star Fern

Polypodiaceae
Tropical and subtropical Americas; from Florida south to Argentina; also naturalized in Hawaii; epiphytic

At a Glance

TypeFern
HabitClumping
FoliageEvergreen
Height18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

9 - 11
Zone 9Zone 10Zone 11
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Drought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancelow

Overview

Phlebodium aureum is the blue star fern, growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and wide. Blue-gray to silvery-blue large deeply lobed (pinnatifid) fronds with wavy margins give the species an uncommon coloring among indoor ferns. The species name 'aureum' means 'golden', referring to the golden-orange spore dots (sori) on frond undersides; these are normal reproductive structures, not signs of disease or insect infestation. The rhizome is fuzzy and golden-brown, often growing visibly over the pot rim; this is normal epiphytic behavior and the rhizome is not buried in soil. Tolerates lower humidity (30%+) and occasional soil drying, making the species more resilient than thin-fronded ferns such as Adiantum raddianum or Nephrolepis exaltata. Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Native to tropical and subtropical Americas, including Florida, where it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks. Requires well-draining media (orchid bark or aroid mix); standard potting soil retains too much moisture for the epiphytic root system. Growth rate is moderate at 1-2 new fronds per month.

Native Range

Phlebodium aureum is native to tropical and subtropical Americas, including Florida.

Suggested Uses

Grown in containers of 1-3 gallons (4-12 liters) with orchid bark or aroid mix. Suited to tabletops, shelves, and hanging baskets in bright indirect to moderate light. Non-toxic, safe for households with pets.

How to Identify

Identified by blue-gray to silvery-blue deeply lobed fronds with wavy margins; the blue coloring separates the species from other commonly grown ferns. Golden-orange spore dots on the undersides and a fuzzy golden-brown creeping rhizome are additional identifiers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

blue
gray

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Ferns do not produce flowers. Round golden-orange sori form on frond undersides in regular rows along the veins.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Blue-gray to silvery-blue; large, deeply lobed (pinnatifid), with wavy margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Requires 3-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Sited in bright indirect to moderate light. The top inch (2.5 cm) of media is allowed to dry between waterings; more drought-tolerant than thin-fronded ferns. Tolerates humidity as low as 30%. Well-draining epiphytic media (orchid bark, aroid mix) is used. Non-toxic to pets.

Pruning

Dead fronds are removed at the base. The creeping rhizome growing over the pot rim is normal and is not trimmed or buried.

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic