Blue Star Fern

This plant prefers consistently moist soil, but it’s important to never let it sit in soggy water. Keep the soil evenly damp and avoid long periods of dryness followed by over-watering. During cooler months, you can back off on the amount of water. This plant is sensitive to tap water with high levels of chlorine and fluoride, so it’s best to use distilled water or collected rainwater.

The Blue Star Fern enjoys medium, indirect sunlight and does well in shaded areas or within a few feet of east-facing windows. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as its foliage can be easily burnt. If the plant begins to stretch or its fronds start to yellow, it’s a sign that too much direct sun is hitting it.

To thrive, the Blue Star Fern requires temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) or above 86°F (30°C). During the summer, the plant can handle temperatures in the upper 80s (28-30°C). In the winter, aim to keep it at least 10-15°F (6-9°C) warmer than the outside air.

The Blue Star Fern requires moist air, as it is native to tropical and subtropical climates with high humidity. To achieve the ideal levels of humidity, place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, and mist the foliage daily. You can also use a humidifier or place a damp towel over a heat vent. Improper humidity may cause the leaves to yellow and drop off.

The Blue Star Fern prefers a light and fast-draining soil mix that is partially composed of peat and coarse sand. You can also add a bit of perlite, woodland detritus, and leaf mold to the soil to help improve drainage and aeration.

The Blue Star Fern should be fertilized every month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the strength recommended by the manufacturer. NEVER fertilize a dormant plant. During the winter months, fertilization should be stopped altogether.

One of the most common pests of the Blue Star Fern is mealybugs. These bugs may appear on the stems or beneath the leaves, and they suck the sap out of the plant. To get rid of the bugs, clean off any that you see with a cotton swab or a cotton ball. You can also use an organic pesticide to treat the plant. Be sure to folow the instructions and safety precautions on the label.

The Blue Star Fern should be repotted once a year during the spring season in fresh, light potting soil. When repotting, it’s best to use a slightly larger vessel than the previous pot to allow for adequate root growth. Make sure to keep the foliage dry and protect the plant from drafts. After repotting, water it sparingly, as the soil requires time to establish.

Pruning is not necessary for the Blue Star Fern; however, if you prune too much, it could weaken the plant. It’s best to just remove dead or discolored fronds and leaves, as well as any damaged or diseased parts. If you need to prune the plant, cut the fronds at the base of the stem, just above where the rhizome begins.

Mulching is not required for this plant, however, a thin layer of organic material such as sphagnum moss or coconut husk chips can help the soil to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

The Blue Star Fern can be propagated from spores, which are released from the spore-bearing sori on the underside of the fronds. To propagate from spores, you will need to collect the spores and sow them on moist peat-vermiculite or peat-perlite medium. Place the sowing mix in a shallow tray, mist the mixture with water, and cover with plastic wrap. Place the tray in an area with bright, indirect sunlight and make sure to keep the medium moist, but never soggy.

The Blue Star Fern does not need to be supported, as its stems and leaves are naturally self-supporting.

During the winter months, the Blue Star Fern will enter a rest period and will require only minimal attention. During this time, keep the soil lightly moist and avoid fertilizing it. This will help keep the plant healthy and will promote a more vigorous growth in the spring.

The Blue Star Fern is not toxic to pets and is safe for cats and dogs.