Ferns sparked the first houseplant craze and are still a great houseplant choice, especially the unfussy Phlebodium aureum. Illustration Agata Wierzbicka <\/p>
Ferns<\/a> have an enduring appeal to houseplant enthusiasts. Pteridomania<\/a><\/em> or Fern-Fever was the first houseplant craze among Victorians, with fern motifs appearing everywhere. Plants were no longer labelled exclusively for the academic and the amateur naturalist was born. Ferns have always appealed; the exquisite detail of their fronds and varying green tones radiate a raw, forestry<\/a> feel.<\/p> You may also like<\/strong><\/p> Polypodiaceae<\/em> is among the largest of the fern families, representing more than 60 genera. Within this Phlebodium aureum<\/em>, the blue star fern is one of four Phlebodium<\/em> species, which originate from the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and are easily differentiated. All are exclusively epiphytic<\/a>; they can be found clinging to parts of other plants high up in the canopy of forests.<\/p> Growing to around a metre in height Phlebodium aureum<\/em> differs slightly from plants we more commonly think of as ferns, such as Dryopteris filix-mas<\/em>, due in part to its colour. Its wavy blue-green fronds vary between silver, grey and palest green and appear from creeping, hairy rhizomes (modified stems). The fronds are lobed and can grow up to 40cm. The round, bright-orange sori (clusters of sporangia, the structures that produce and contain spores) are arranged in two rows on each side of the midrib on the underside of the fronds.<\/p> You may also like<\/strong><\/p> This is a very tough plant. I have grown a blue star fern in the open terrarium<\/a> (of a pint glass) with almost no growing medium and only occasional watering. Five years on, it\u2019s thriving. Another, which is growing terrestrially in a pot, with sporadic waterings, is equally happy. The fern\u2019s epiphytic habit and rhizomatous form allow it to succeed in unfavourable environments.<\/p> Water generously once you notice the pot drying out, continuing until water runs out of drainage holes at the bottom. Alternatively submerge the plant in a sink or bucket of water until all the air bubbles (old oxygen) have been forced out from the soil and allow it to drain. Take care not to over water, Phlebodium<\/em> do not like to be constantly soggy.<\/p>How to grow and care for Phlebodium aureum <\/em>ferns<\/h2>
Don’t let blue star ferns dry out<\/h3>