Phlebodium areolatum
🍃leaf (2)
🌿habit (1)
🌱other (1)

Phlebodium areolatum

False golden polypody

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun Toxicity: low
Water every
7 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
5–6
Hardiness
Zone 8–11
Click count
7
0

Description

Source: leafsnap

Phlebodium areolatum, the Virginia blue fern, is a species of epiphytic fern in the family Polypodiaceae. It is native to the New World Tropics and Subtropics; Mexico, Florida, some of the Caribbean islands, Central America, and South America to Argentina, and has been introduced to India. As its synonym Phlebodium pseudoaureum it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 1 week

This plant needs to be regularly watered while it is kept in pots. Although there is no set of predefined schedules for watering it, you can start from once a week and notice if it's sufficient. The growing plants might not require the same amount of water as the grownups do. The important thing to remember is to not let the plant get overwatered. It can be fatal. Similarly, under-watering can also be the reason behind the yellow leaves. So the key is to water the plant just as much as it needs. Not too much and surely, not too little.

Suggested frequency: Every 1 week
☀️ Light Partial sun

The false golden polypody is indigenous to habitats like forest understories or rocky regions, where it naturally encounters shade. It typically prefers areas with partial sunlight exposure, yet it exhibits a hardy and adaptable character, capable of thriving in full sunlight or complete shade.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

The false golden polypody is native to tropical areas, characterised by their hot, damp climates. Thus, it is naturally suited to endure high levels of heat and moisture. Unexpected temperature changes are not favored by this plant, and it thrives in a consistently warm setting, so fluctuations in indoor temperature should be kept to a minimum. It generally doesn't withstand low temperatures and requires a warmer ambiance for its development. In case the surrounding temperature falls considerably, the plant's growth could halt or it could even perish.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-6
Soil pH: 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer

The False golden polypody plant typically needs the maximum amount of fertilizer during its main growth phase, which is predominantly in the spring, summer, and the early part of the fall season. Providing fertilization is important as the soil may lack certain necessary nutrients. This helps stimulate robust root and stem growth, as well as promote appealing foliage— a characteristic aspect of this particular plant species.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

When you're replanting the False golden polypody, select a pot that's 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) larger and has sufficient drainage. Opt for a potting mix that drains well. Replant in the spring or autumn, making sure that the root ball is marginally below the edge of the flower pot. Generously water post-replanting and position it in a warm location with indirect light.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

You can prune to groom your plant and maintain its size and shape etc. Carefully remove the dead or damaged leaves.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

The good news is that this fern is not toxic. You can easily let the plant live anywhere around the room where there are children or pets. No reported toxicity to birds, cats, dogs, horses, farm animals, and humans.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Phlebodium
Family
Polypodiaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
40 cm to 76 cm
Leaf Color
Medium Sea Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Native Area
Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, United States, Bolivia, Venezuela, Peru, Guyana, Brazil, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica

Tags (11)

Common Names (1)

en False golden polypody