SKU: 17717399149
blue star fern benefits

blue star fern benefits Blue Star Fern ‘Phlebodium aureum’ 2 Gal. / Self Watering / Without Pot

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Description

blue star fern benefits Blue Star Fern ‘Phlebodium aureum’ 2 Gal. / Self Watering / Without PotThe Blue Star Fern, known as Phlebodium aureum, is a unique and increasingly popular fern for beginners as needs less humidity than other varieties. Its broad, blue green fronds have an unusual, almost wavy texture that lends an exotic feel to any indoor space. In the wild, it grows epiphytically on trees, making it well suited for mounting on surfaces or planting in hanging baskets where its fronds can cascade beautifully. Native to South and Central

The Blue Star Fern, known as Phlebodium aureum, is a unique and increasingly popular fern for beginners as needs less humidity than other varieties. Its broad, blue-green fronds have an unusual, almost wavy texture that lends an exotic feel to any indoor space. In the wild, it grows epiphytically on trees, making it well-suited for mounting on surfaces or planting in hanging baskets where its fronds can cascade beautifully.

Native to South and Central America, the Blue Star Fern gets its name due to the soft, bluish hue of its fronds that resemble star-like shapes when viewed from above.

It has several other common names such as Blue Star Fern, Cabbage Palm Fern, Golden Polypody, Gold Foot Fern, Hare Foot Fern, and Rabbits Foot Fern.

Its popularity stems not only from its visual appeal but also from its ability to improve indoor air quality, making it an attractive, functional addition to any home or office.

A popular feature of the Blue Star Fern is its deeply lobed, velvety fronds, which can grow up to 2 feet long and spread up to 6 feet wide in ideal conditions.

The fronds emerge from a creeping rhizome, which often has a slightly golden tint, adding an additional layer of color to the plant’s appearance.  Its foliage has a soft, almost fuzzy texture, giving it a unique tactile quality not commonly found in other ferns. 

The large blue star fern is a striking addition to any indoor plant collection, with its vibrant color and unique shape.   Its moderate growth rate allows it to fill its space gradually, making it easy to care for and less prone to outgrowing its container quickly.  

As a non-flowering plant, the Blue Fern does not produce blooms, but its vibrant foliage more than compensates for the lack of flowers, providing year-round greenery and aesthetic appeal. 

When and How to Water Your Blue Star Fern 

The Blue Star Fern requires less water and easier to care for than other ferns. This fern is somewhat more resilient than typical tropical varieties, able to go a bit longer between watering sessions without suffering damage. However, allowing the soil to completely dry out is not recommended, as it can lead to stress and browning of leaves.  

In the spring and fall, during the growing season, your Blue Star Fern requires more frequent watering. Water it thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In most indoor environments, watering every 7–10 days is ideal, depending on the humidity levels. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, as waterlogged conditions can harm the plant’s delicate roots. Adjust the frequency based on your home’s temperature and humidity; higher temperatures or drier air may require more frequent watering. 

In late fall and winter, during its dormancy period, the Blue Star Fern’s water needs decrease significantly. Water only when the soil is nearly dry, roughly every two to three weeks, as the plant’s growth slows and its water usage drops. The plant can withstand brief periods of dryness during dormancy but will benefit from occasional misting if indoor air is particularly dry. This more conservative watering schedule helps the fern maintain health without overstimulating it during its resting phase.

Light Requirements – Where to Place Your Blue Star Fern 

When growing indoors, Blue Star Ferns prefer bright, indirect light for around 6–8 hours daily. Position it near a north- or east-facing window where it can receive gentle morning sunlight or filtered light throughout the day.

Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can cause the leaves to scorch and fade in color.

In lower-light settings, this fern can still thrive, although its growth may slow slightly. Supplemental artificial lighting can help maintain vibrant foliage in dim indoor spaces.

For outdoor cultivation, place your Phlebodium aureum blue star in a shaded or partially shaded area.

A spot under a canopy or larger tree where it receives dappled sunlight for part of the day is ideal.

If the plant shows signs of fading color or wilting, try relocating it to a spot with more filtered shade.

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

Blue Star Ferns thrive in well-draining, organic-rich soil that retains moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. An ideal mix for indoor potted plants is a combination of standard potting soil and orchid bark or perlite to enhance drainage. Ideally, you want to use our specialized potting mix, opens in a new tab that contains 5 natural substrates and organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your ferns to thrive.   

For fertilizer, Blue Star Ferns benefit from light feeding during the growing season, roughly once a year from spring to early fall. Use a balanced, NPK fertilizer with an equal ration of about 5-10-5 to avoid overwhelming the plant. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these may encourage foliage growth at the expense of root health. During the dormant winter months, fertilizing holds off, as the fern’s nutrient requirements are minimal when growth slows.

Hardiness Zones & More 

When grown indoors, your Blue Star Fern thrives in moderate, indirect light and prefers a consistent indoor temperature range between 60-75°F, making it ideal for home environments. It does best when shielded from direct sunlight, which can scorch its fronds but also needs ample ambient light to thrive. The Blue Star Fern appreciates moderate humidity levels of 40-60%, which can be achieved with a humidifier or occasional misting, particularly in winter or dry climates.

For outdoor cultivation, this fern is suited for USDA Zones 8-12, where it can survive mild winters but will require a shaded spot to avoid excessive sun exposure. It can withstand temperatures down to 20°F but should be protected from frost and intense afternoon sun.

It also benefits from higher humidity, so if grown in drier zones, placing it near water features or misting it occasionally will help maintain its lush appearance. The blue star fern's dry leaves are a sign that it needs more humidity in its environment. Make sure to mist the plant regularly or place a humidifier nearby to help prevent further leaf dehydration.  

Wildlife Blue Star Fern Attracts the Following Friendly Pollinators 

While Blue Star Fern is not a traditional pollinator attractant like flowering plants, it creates a welcoming environment for beneficial insects that support local biodiversity. Its dense fronds provide shade and moisture, which helps attract small, beneficial creatures in shaded outdoor gardens.

Butterflies
Bees
Hummingbirds
Lady Bugs
Multi Pollinators
Other Birds

According to the ASPCA, Blue Star Fern is non-toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and birds. This makes it an ideal choice for pet-friendly homes, as it poses no risk to animals that may chew on their fronds. 

How to Propagate Your Phlebodium aureum 

To propagate Blue Fern, start by dividing its rhizomes during spring or early summer. Gently remove the plant from its pot, shake off excess soil, and separate the rhizomes into smaller sections, each with fronds and roots. Replant each division in a suitable pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix, water thoroughly, and place in a warm area with indirect light. Within a few weeks, the new divisions should begin to establish, showing signs of growth. 

Key Takeaways

  1. In the wild, it grows epiphytically on trees, making it well-suited for mounting on surfaces or planting in hanging baskets where its fronds can cascade beautifully.
  2. Its unique blue-green, wavy fronds with a soft, almost velvety texture give it a distinctive look, making it a striking and popular choice for indoor decor.
  3. Blue Star Fern is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates lower light levels, and indirect light and requires minimal care compared to many other ferns, making it well-suited for beginners.
  4. The blue fern can tolerate mild frost in USDA zones (8-12) and lower temperatures for short periods, making it versatile for indoor and sheltered outdoor use in suitable climates.
  5. Unlike many other ferns, Blue Star Fern has some drought tolerance and can go without frequent watering, though it prefers consistently moist soil.

The Bottom Line 

Overall, the Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum) is a distinctive and popular houseplant that brings a touch of the tropics indoors with its striking blue-green, wavy fronds and epiphytic nature. Known for its adaptability, this fern thrives in moderate, indirect light and can tolerate occasional drought and lower humidity, making it easier to care for than many other ferns. While it prefers consistently moist soil, it is relatively low-maintenance and capable of withstanding mild frost, making it a versatile option for a range of indoor and sheltered outdoor spaces. With its unique appearance, air-purifying benefits, and pet-safe qualities, the Blue Star Fern is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a beautiful, easy-to-care-for addition to their plant collection. 

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Bam
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
Leaking mattress 2nd use, Good Warranty Help, Bag not durable
Style: 22", Color: Grey, Size: Queen
UPDATE: first time I slept alone, all was good. Our second week to use, we were past the warranty. Tried to sleep on it with two people and it's deflating. I don't believe it's the weight because it deflates when no one is using it as well. Contacted company, they are very helpful, and I believe you're speaking to someone in the US. You can remove the pump and there's a gasket that you can try to snug up. That did not help so they are shipping a new mattress to me. Removed star because bag already had hole at seam when delivered, and it's not durable. I'll contact the company and update. The bag isn't looking durable. Mattress does seem very durable. Blows up and deflates as expected. It does have a plastically smell when you first inflate, and again when I deflated. I can't complain, it's plastic lol. If smells bother you, just inflate ahead of time in another space. Deflating smell was stronger of two. Again, just deflate in another ventilated space. The mattress didn't continue to smell with use. Make sure you have deep pocket sheets. There is no indent for the bottom of the elastic to go around. I only had to fix them once in 8 nights. I slept alone, so I can't say how it would be with two. I'll update when we sleep on our with two people. But I found it very firm and comfortable. I've been having some back & neck pain. It didn't cause any problems. Might have to add some air 2nd night as the mattress might stretch a bit first time using. Found it to be true queen size. Cord/plug a little tricky to store back in the compartment within mattress. Does take some time to deflat. It folds easily and compact, but I'll have to figure out the configuration of exactly how to fold it to get it to fit into the bag once I get a replacement. I believe you'll need two people to get it in the bag. It's heavier than the thinner mattresses. So much nicer having the higher height, especially if you're going to sleep on it for more than one night. I think I went with the 22".
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2025
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Marie
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Quiet Inflation and Solid Comfort
Style: 22", Color: Grey, Size: Queen
I’ve been really impressed with this air mattress. The firmness is spot on—it doesn’t feel like you’re sinking or fighting to stay level like a lot of other inflatables. It actually holds its shape well enough to feel close to a real bed, which surprised me. One of the biggest things for me was how well it holds air. I left it set up for 3 days straight, and it barely lost any pressure. I only needed to top it off slightly, which is way better than most air mattresses I’ve used that need daily reinflation. The built-in pump is another win. It inflates quickly and, more importantly, it’s relatively quiet compared to others. You’re not blasting the whole house when you set it up late at night. Deflation is just as easy, which makes packing it up for storage or camping super convenient. I’ve used it both for guests and for camping, and it performs great in both situations. It’s comfortable enough that guests don’t feel like they’re getting the “temporary bed,” and durable enough to handle being moved around. Overall, this is one of the better air mattresses I’ve owned—reliable, comfortable, and easy to use. Definitely recommend if you want something that won’t let you down after the first night.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Cat Martin
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
From an IDOO 18" to this Intex 22" queen air mattress
Style: 22", Color: Grey, Size: Queen
I have been sleeping on air mattresses for about 5 years now. Yes, every night. The reason is that I cannot afford a decent new mattress and before switching to an air mattress, I had used mattresses. Most developed "sink holes" and those who sleep on an older mattress know what I mean - a spring or something inside has shifted and that spot...well, it's a dip that you have to figure out how to avoid when sleeping. But the basic reason is because I am an older lady that lives alone and when I have moved, I have moved myself so as not to bother people. I have mostly flat pack furniture so I can break it down and move it myself. Having an air mattress fits right in with that ease of moving my own stuff. The IDOO I had was a great deal, though I had last had a King Coil 22" that I really liked EXCEPT for their "pillow" area (the part at the head is inclined and that bothered me since I am an "arm sleeper" - put one arm up under my pillow, under my head and hang it off the bed). Other than that part King Coil is a great air mattress bed. Now for this Intex - I have had a couple of different Intex items and find they make quality stuff - first was a smaller, rectangular pool that wasn't too hard to set up (but I did need a friend to help with putting it up) and I currently have their inflatable loveseat that unfolds to become a bed. It's a nice extra piece of furniture/bed, but wish it had the internal pump which it doesn't. Still, it is a serviceable spare seating and sleeping piece that can be put up quickly enough. NOW, for this bed - back to my 22" height and I am SO HAPPY with that part of it. When you are older, getting UP off something is harder than scooting down off that same thing! Meaning that I have no problem getting on a bed (no matter what the height), but in the morning, when I'm groggy and not 100%, trying to push myself up off the 18" wasn't horrible, but it wasn't fun at all. With this Intex 22" queen, my feet dangle just a bit off the floor and pushing myself off and DOWN is just so much easier. I was also relieved that the pump is at the top (or could be the bottom, depending on how you orient the bed) as my outlet is at that spot on the wall behind the bed. The IDOO had the pump on the side so the cord had to be put up under the bed...I didn't like that. This Intex, like all the air mattresses with an internal pump, it inflates (and deflates) very quickly. Around 5 minutes. What's easy is taking down an air mattress - most of them come with a carry case as this one did - and if you flip the sides in, then do a fourths fold up, it will fit in the bag and isn't too terribly heavy even for me to carry. The IDOO developed a leak and instead of trying to patch it, as I have slept on it for about 2 years, I deflated it, put it in the bag it came with and threw it away. This Intex, I had it out of the box an fully inflated in less than 10 minutes. Made the bed and laid down on it - aaahhhh! So, if you are in need of a spare bed for overnight guests on occasion OR you have had it with your lumpy old "regular" mattress and having sticker shock over the memory foam, purple, pillow top and other replacements, you might want to try an air mattress. Even if you only use it long enough to save enough money for one of those $500-$1000 mattress, this $75 mattress will allow you to sleep well, night after night after night.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2023
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smarch104
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Better than our actual mattress!!
Style: 22", Color: Grey, Size: Queen, Style: 22", Color: Grey, Size: Queen
Purchased for company to stay with us in our apartment. I honestly had no idea they made air mattresses this tall until I saw a friend with one! My husband and I tested it out last night. We were both really impressed! 1. Really easy to inflate! First time having an internal air pump. No more forgetting the pump! The motor wasn’t nearly as loud as our previous air pump! I was able to talk to my husband and he could still hear me over the pump running. 2. Really comfortable and supportive! We chose not to inflate it fully so it contoured to our bodies better. We slept on the mattress with no sheets and I wasn’t able to feel the creases in the top which was nice. No issues with sagging and we both didn’t wake up smooshed in the middle. My husband got up in the middle of the night and I didn’t notice. So movement of the mattress is minimal! Easy to get on and off with the 22” height. 3. Easy to deflate! We followed the instructions for folding and we got it in the storage bag with no issues. Just make sure all of the air is out before you fold it. 4. High quality! We had both of our small dogs on this with us. I was afraid of their nails poking a hole but so far so good! Only a little bit of air leaked out but it could’ve been the material stretching out during the night. Cons: The pump does not shut off automatically when inflating or deflating. So keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overfill. The mattress does get cold at night. My husband and I both mentioned that in the morning. I had to roll up in my blanket to stay warm. I’ll try sheets on next time. In the summer it might not be that big of an issue. Ours came with one patch. Hopefully we won’t need to use it.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Megan
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Love this bed
Style: 22", Color: Grey, Size: Queen
This bed is more than what I can ask for with the built in air pump. It's firm but comfortable my guest never complained I loved the height of the one I purchased and I loved that it gives you other height options. Super easy to set up and it holds air well. Other blow up beds I've purchased over time deflated and this one is still going strong after almost two months without me having to release the air and replace it. Had a bit of an oder when I first opened it but it's gone now. So happy with my purchase.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026

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