Although ferns are a category of plant, ‘Fern’ is not a genus. Instead, the name fern describes any non-flowering plant with leaves which run along either side of the stem. These divided leaves are called fronds. Although ferns don’t bear flowers (they reproduce via spores!), this doesn’t mean that they can’t be a lively addition to an apartment or home. A well cared-for fern can be a truly zen thing to behold, with vivid green leaves and an arching shape reminiscent of a shelter or a waterfall. Because fern isn’t a genus, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ for caring for them and an experimental plant owner won’t have a lot of luck trying to cross-pollinate for a ‘Frankenstein Fern’. However, plenty of ferns are kind plants for new owners, proving themselves hardy and easy to grow.
Blue Star Fern
Botanical Name : Phlebodium Aureum
Known as the Blue Star Fern, Phlebodium Aurelium is another fern found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is native to Florida through to The Caribbean and tropical South America, where it experiences a relatively high amount of rainfall. When it receives enough rainfall, the Blue Star Fern is evergreen, but it will become dormant during dry periods.
A mature Blue Star Fern has a dense, waterfalling appearance, though younger plants will appear to have sparser foliage. The Blue Star Fern has very large fronds but – unlike many ferns – it does not have leaflets. However, the fronds are quite indented, which can give the appearance of leaflets from a distance. True to its name, the Blue Star Fern’s leaves often appear to be a blue-green colour, though they can also sometimes be a more standard bright green.
The Blue Star Fern does best in partial shade, and sunlight certainly shouldn’t be direct. It likes to be watered enough to remain moist but shouldn’t be allowed to become soggy – if the soil is still damp, there is no need to water it again. As the Blue Star Fern is an epiphyte, which is a plant which takes root on another plant, a loose medium which drains well will yield good results, and generously mixing in wood chips with the compost will aid in plant growth. The Blue Star Fern will do fine at room temperature in most houses as long as extreme heat or cold are avoided, but a relatively high level of humidity should be maintained
Plant Care
Low to moderate light
Wetter the better (at least twice a week)
Fairly well drained but firm enough to retain the water
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The sturdy, elongated, blue-green fronds curl into non-conforming straps, spilling from the plant in a delightfully higgledy-piggledy manner. In the words of Ronseal, ‘it does exactly what it states on the tin’.
