Blue star fern care: watering, light and repotting
Also called phlebodium, hare's foot fern · Phlebodium aureum · Polypodiaceae family
10 d in winter
How often to water the blue star fern?
Allow about 6 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 10 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
The beginner's fern: it copes with dry air and a missed watering. Its furry rhizomes stay on the surface; don't bury them.
Misting every 5 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The blue star fern likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 20–32 in (50–80 cm).
Common problems
Yellowing fronds
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Let the surface dry out between waterings.
Dry tips
Cause: Very dry air. What to do: Mist it now and then.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the blue star fern?
About every 6 days in spring and summer, and every 10 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the blue star fern?
The blue star fern likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the blue star fern?
Yes, misting every 5 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the blue star fern?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the blue star fern safe?
No toxicity is known, but no veterinary source has confirmed it: to be safe, keep the plant out of reach of pets and young children.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the blue star fern forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.