Phlebodium aureum is part of the Polypodiaceae family and its native range is SE. U.S.A., Caribbean to S. Tropical America. This epiphytic fern has wavy blue-green fronds and creeping rhizomes, the highly lobed fronds can reach up to 40cm in their native environment.
Genus name comes from the Greek phlebos meaning ‘vein’, referring to the prominent venation on the fronds. Specific epithet comes from the Latin aureo meaning ‘gold’ this in reference to the golden yellow rhizomes.
Pot: ø 12cm.
Foliage: Approximately 20cm in length.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Allow the first 2-3 inches of mix to dry out, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 15-26°C. They can tolerate short periods of 12˚C.
Humidity: This plant would prefer higher humidity but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Phlebodium aureum is non-toxic.