Image: AI generated
Blue Star Fern Plant Care
Polypodium aureum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phlebodium aureum is an epiphytic fern native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
60–75°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Blue Star Fern?
Water Blue Star Fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Blue Star Fern Native To?
What Is the Blue Star Fern?
Blue Star Fern (Polypodium aureum) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Polypodium genus. Blue Star Fern is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. Blue Star Fern is also known as Rabbit's Foot Fern, Hare's Foot Fern, Bear's Paw Fern.
Blue Star Fern displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Blue Star Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Blue Star Fern?
Polypodium aureum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Blue Star Fern Need?
Blue Star Fern thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Blue Star Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Blue Star Fern Prefer?
Polypodium aureum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Blue Star Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Blue Star Fern?
Loose, well-draining soil mix with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Blue Star Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Blue Star Fern?
Feed Blue Star Fern every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Blue Star Fern?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Blue Star Fern?
Blue Star Fern can be propagated through spores, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to appalachian polypody plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Blue Star Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Blue Star Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Blue Star Fern?
Blue Star Fern is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Blue Star Fern Need?
Blue Star Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Blue Star Fern is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. In cooler regions, grow Blue Star Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Blue Star Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Polypodium genus — compare its care with other Polypodium species on PlantoScan.
Polypodium is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Blue Star Fern copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Polypodium aureum L., family Polypodiaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1087 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Blue Star Fern, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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