SKU: 246332907
blue star fern cats

blue star fern cats Blue Star Fern ‘Phlebodium aureum’

Sale price$26.92 Regular price$29.91
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 10 - Jul 15

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

blue star fern cats Blue Star Fern ‘Phlebodium aureum’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

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. 

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 246332907

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell blue star fern cats

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 1266 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Great toy
Color: Black/Orange
This brand really makes durable toys. They outlast every other toy my dogs have. One dog loves to get the squeaker out of any toy, but he doesn’t rip this one apart. Obviously it won’t last forever, but no toy does! Some other brands of toys only make it a day or two, while these last months to years.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
C Harper
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Super durable!
Color: 2PK Green Leaping Phrog
Yellow lab approved bc they are fun to chew. Mom approved because they last forever!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Arele
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Great toy for two big German Shepherds
Color: Brown
We only buy Tuffy dog toys now because we have one German Shepherd, and we often watch our daughter's GSD too, and the two dogs tear anything else apart in minutes. Tuffy toys are BY FAR superior to any other dog toy we have tried. That being said, some Tuffy toys seem to last longer than others with the two dogs, and this one has been pretty good! We've had it for a few weeks now, and it's just now starting to show some white (stuffing) where their teeth have pierced the top of the toy. That's pretty good, considering they play tug of war with it and can tear into toys pretty hard. If it were just our one dog, I think it would last a lot longer because it's the tug of war between the two of them that does them in faster. Even so, when they do manage to tear the fabric in vulnerable places, I just pull the stuffing out from that area, and they continue to play with it, sometimes for months! This one is better than some other Tuffy toys too because it has lots of areas where there is already more fabric and reinforced seams than stuffing, like all the legs on the side, the tail, and even the pincers. So far, they haven't been able to tear into those at all. Just a bit on the top of the head, and so far, no stuffing coming out yet. This one is a big win for us! When they finally do do it in, I will turn around and buy another Scorch the Scorpion right away!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2014
D
Verified Purchase
Deholle
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 4
Tuffy Desert Phrog vs Lola
Color: Green Leaping Phrog, Color: Green Leaping Phrog
Just a little background about my dog. Lola is a 5 year old corgi-terrier mix with jaws of steal. Lesser stuffed toys have met death in under 5 minutes. Tennis balls last less than a day. Rope toys that do not have frayed ends might possibly last a week (frayed ends never stand a chance). The only toys that she has not managed to destroy are her Kong, a Kong bone, and a racquet ball. I figured I would document the life span of Phrog (Tuffy Scale: 9) before making my final judgement on it’s durability. Day 1 - Phrog Arrives! Lola was very excited about the arrival of Phrog and immediately went into destruction mode. Phrog did sustain a little damage before we were able to bribe her to drop Phrog and get her understand that he was more fun to play fetch with than to mutilate. The white you see in the picture is not stuffing, but the second layer of defense for the toy. The fact that my living room is not full of stuffing and I didn’t have to pry a squeaker out of my dog’s mouth, I’d say Phrog wins the Day 1 challenge. Day 9 - Phrog has sustained a little more damage, but not anything life threatening. His side wound is a little bit larger and one of his eyes is half ripped off. For safety reasons, I am going to finish removing the damaged eye and some loose thread from various places. Other than that, Phrog is still holding up and holds top toy spot. I have also found him very useful for dealing with anxiety; the squeaker can often distract her from her stressors and Phrog takes the abuse of her frustrations. Day 16 - Phrog is starting to show signs of mortal wounds. Lola has made it through the thicker layer around his arm and I can see the stuffing. It is only a matter of time before gets all the way through. Day 60 - Phrog still lives!!! I have done some surgery on Phrog to reinforce the fabric around his arms, but Franken-Phrog is still the favorite of all of the toys. She will even get brave enough to rescue Phrog from the evil vacuum when he is kidnapped and tortured. I am thinking about purchasing Phrog II for the inevitable day when Phrog goes off to the pet toyland in the sky, but for now, there is only one Phrog for Lola.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2018
M
Verified Purchase
michael parsley
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Super tough
Color: Red Warthog
My dogs love these toys!!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2026

recommand products