Blue Star Fern

This super easy plant will bring you years of joy. The blue green, wavy foliage grows upwards and elongates as it ages, reaching up to 50cm. The plant gradually forms a cloud of intertwining, dancing foliage.

At the base of the plant are thick, hairy rhizomes that creep along the soil – they look a little like a hare or rabbits foot, hence the common name.

Size: 20-70cm x 20-60cm

I see the light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. You should be able to read during the day in their position in the room without turning on a light. They can grow in artificial light and will need 8 hours of this a day – good news for the office.

Water needs: Water fairly freely spring/summer and less in winter – every other week. The fronds will brown if they are lacking water. Just add water, then prune them off to keep the plant tidy. They are really forgiving and recover quickly.

They appreciate some humidity – especially in homes with ducted heating/air conditioning. It isn’t as vital as for some house plants, so you might get away without it. But, you can provide some humidity for your beloved plant, by placing them over a plate with rocks and water, this will naturally form humidity around the plant. Or if you want to get very fancy and grow a few of these tropical treats, purchasing a humidifier is a good investment – they are also good for you. Or you could grow it in a bathroom which naturally gets a good dose of steam. Or grow with other plants where the humidity will naturally form around the plants.

I will Survive: A diluted liquid fertiliser in spring/summer will keep them happy and healthy, they aren’t heavy feeders.

Repot in spring, only as they overcrowd their current home, ensure you keep the crown above the soil when you do. They don’t need a deep pot as the rhizomes are pretty much at soil level. Remove any browned fronds, fresh leaves will replace them.