Goldspotted Fern: Care, Location & Toxicity

At first glance, one wonders where the golden spotted fern got its name from. If you look closely at the underside of the leaf at the right time, you can find out.

The gold-tipped fern (Phlebodium aureum), or blue fern, as it is also called, is a common houseplant in our country. In the forest, however, you will not find the tropical plant. In this article we will show you how to properly plant the blue fern and how to care for it.

Goldspotted fern: origin and properties

Ferns usually have a jungle-like character and bring a special charm to the garden or apartment. So also the gold-tipped fern (

Phlebodium aureum), which comes from the tropical rainforests of South America and is often used as a houseplant. It is also referred to as hare's foot fern or cat's foot fern. The blue-green colored fronds are usually multi-pinnate, but can also consist of only one leaflet. Because of its color, the gold-tipped fern is sometimes referred to as the blue fern. The fronds can reach lengths of up to 1 m, which is why enough space is needed to keep the golden-tailed fern as a houseplant. The fern got its name from the small spore deposits that are located on the underside of the leaf in ferns and are responsible for reproduction. In this species they are golden yellow in color and look like golden spots. As with all types of ferns, flowers are not formed because they are not flowering plants. The yellow-brown, slightly hairy rhizome from which the fronds arise grows lying on the ground. In nature, the golden-tipped fern usually has no contact with the ground, but grows as an epiphytic plant on trees.

The most beautiful varieties

In addition to the species, there are also blue fern varieties that have, for example, curly or wavy fronds or differ from the species only in their growth.

• Phlebodium aureum 'Davana': Frayed leaf margins
• Phlebodium aureum ‘Glaucum crispum’: With ruffled leaf margin
• Phlebodium aureum ‘Mandaianum’: Silvery-blue-green fronds wavy at the edge
• Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star': More compact than the species

Plant blue fern: location, soil and Co.

In order to keep the gold-tipped fern as a houseplant, a suitable location for the blue fern must first be found. Similar to many other ferns, the blue fern prefers a spot in the penumbra or shade. A bright location can be chosen as long as it doesn't get direct sunlight. An average room temperature of around 20 °C is completely sufficient for the gold-stippled fern - in winter it can be a little cooler. However, temperatures below 12 °C are not suitable even in winter. High humidity is desirable because it promotes fern growth. Surprisingly, however, the tropical fern can cope with lower humidity.
A mixture of orchid soil or pine bark and universal potting soil in a ratio of 1:1 is suitable as a substrate for the epiphytic plant. As a universal earth, for example, ours is suitable Plantura organic universal soil. Our peat-free soil is characterized by good water storage capacity, a long-lasting loose structure and a balanced supply of nutrients. Orchid substrate or pine bark provide an airy root environment, as epiphytes are used to as epiphytes. Before planting, a drainage layer, for example made of potsherds, is laid on the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging. A large, flat bowl is better suited for the flat-rooted plant than a deep pot. The rhizomes are not covered with soil when planting the blue fern, but should only lie in shallow depressions on the substrate.

It is also possible to keep the golden-tipped fern epiphytic, for example by tying it to branches in the conservatory with a little substrate. Another option is to keep them in hanging baskets.

Care of the blue fern

The blue fern care is not particularly complex. What you should still pay attention to is explained below.

to water and cut

Regular watering is important so that the soil of the gold-stippled fern never dries out completely, but always feels slightly damp. At best, soft, lime-free water is used as irrigation water - preferably even rainwater. There should be a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot so that the remaining water can drain and be removed.
An occasional spraying with lime-free water promotes the health of the golden-tipped fern.

If brown or yellow fronds develop on the blue fern, they can simply be cut off. Otherwise, you do not have to cut the gold-tipped fern.

Fertilize gold-stippled fern

The golden-tipped fern should only be fertilized in the vegetation phase from spring to autumn. A liquid fertilizer like ours Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer can easily be put into the ground together with the irrigation water. The nutrients are then quickly available for the plant. A fertilizer application every 2 weeks is completely sufficient for the golden spotted fern. It is important to use a salt-free, i.e. not mineral, fertilizer, because with mineral fertilizers the nutrients are usually directly available for the plant. However, such a suddenly increased nutrient supply does not correspond to the natural conditions of the golden-safflower fern, which is adapted to low nutrient availability. Freshly repotted gold ferns do not need to be fertilized in the first few months, as the fresh substrate contains many nutrients.

Repot blue fern

Every 2 to 3 years it is time in spring to repot the blue fern. Young ferns that still grow a lot in size can get a larger pot every year. When repotting the goldenspotted fern, carefully remove the old substrate from the roots and plant it in a slightly larger pot with fresh, coarse soil.

Goldspotted fern gets brown leaves

The dryness of the air and substrate is usually responsible for brown fronds on the golden-tailed fern. Check the soil with your finger: it should not be completely dry. Too sunny a location or low humidity can also be the cause. Affected fronds are cut off at the base. Full sun can also affect the cat's foot fern.

Propagate gold-stippled fern

The easiest way to propagate the gold-stippled fern is by division. The mother plant is divided into 2 parts in the spring, so that after propagation you have 2 small plants. Lift the blue fern out of the ground and carefully break or cut the rhizome into 2 or more pieces. Each piece must have roots and fronds. The two ferns are planted in separate pots in a warm, bright spot. The soil temperature should be around 25°C and the soil should always be moist. A clear plastic bag placed over the ferns will help keep the humidity high and provide a suitable environment for the young plants. Airing the bag regularly prevents mold from forming.
Propagation by hand using spores is far more complex and reserved for professionals. In addition, the spores only develop on older and larger plants. If spores are formed, the golden-tipped fern sometimes spreads undesirably - and you can find small golden-tipped ferns in the pots of other houseplants.

Goldtup fern as a medicinal plant: medicinal effects and uses

Studies have found that the golden-safflower can be used as a sunscreen. For this purpose, an extract of the blue fern must be taken, which is supposed to protect against UV radiation. Sufferers of skin conditions treated with UVA phototherapy are said to be able to help mitigate potential side effects with golden safflower extract. However, since the golden-tipped fern is poisonous, consumption of the plant is discouraged.

Is goldenspotted fern poisonous?

The golden-tipped fern is slightly toxic because it contains hydrocyanic acid, which can cause slight symptoms of poisoning if it comes into contact with the skin and is eaten. These include skin irritation, gastrointestinal complaints, headaches and dizziness. The blue fern is also poisonous for pets.

Not only the gold-tipped fern is popular as an indoor fern. Which others Ferns as houseplants can be maintained and what claims they have, you can find out from us.