Phlebodium pseudoaureum, a large fern
Phlebodium pseudoaureum
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9a (-6.7°C ≤ T° < -3.9°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Genus
- Phlebodium
- Species
- Phlebodium pseudoaureum
Other name:Polypodium pseudoaureum
Phlebodium pseudoaureum grows in the forests of America and western India. This hardy fern, a member of the Polypodiaceae family, is distinguished by its large wingspan and glaucous-green foliage.
How to recognize Phlebodium pseudoaureum?
Phlebodium pseudoaureum is much taller than its cousins, phlebodium aureum 'Davana and phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star. It grows to over a metre in height and has a bushy habit.
It is an epiphytic fern that spreads its territory thanks to a subaerial creeping rhizome. Brown and covered with fine scales, it resembles a rabbit's foot.
The glaucous-green fronds measure up to 1.5 meters. Narrow and lanceolate, they are sharply divided on either side of the rachis. Foliage is evergreen. But when the temperature drops too low, the leaves fall off. They grow back when the fine weather returns.
Phlebodium pseudoaureum doesn't need flowers or fruit to multiply. It produces sori on the underside of its fronds all year round. These small, raised yellow, brown or orange spots contain sporangia. Once disseminated by the wind, these cells give rise to new plants.
The variety is non-toxic. You can add it to your collection even if you share your space with pets and small children.
Our care tips
Phlebodium pseudoaureum does not like direct sun or cold. Find a bright spot for your plant, away from the strongest rays and draughts. They also hate getting their hearts wet. When watering, moisten the substrate on the sides, around the foliage.
Watering
Phlebodium pseudoaureum can withstand neither drought nor excess water.
Before watering, check the condition of the potting soil. The surface must be at least one centimeter dry.
Before watering, check the condition of the potting soil. The surface must be at least one centimeter dry.
Misting
In the wild, phlebodium pseudoaureum benefits from high humidity. Spray it regularly with non-calcareous water to bring it closer to its natural environment.
Fogging will also keep red spiders and other pests away.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Phlebodium pseudoaureum to give it more space.
Get a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one. Phlebodium pseudoaureum has shallow roots. The plant grows mainly in width. You can therefore choose a pot that is wider than it is tall.
Line the bottom with clay balls. For the substrate, prepare a mixture containing two-thirds potting soil for green plants and one-third sand. You can add a little perlite to lighten it. Pour a little of your potting soil into the pot.
Plant your Phlebodium pseudoaureum in the center and top up with substrate. The rhizomes should be flush with the surface and the roots buried. Water copiously with non-calcareous water at room temperature.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Phlebodium pseudoaureum, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Add nutrients with a green plant fertilizer.
Prune
To encourage the growth of your Phlebodium pseudoaureum, prune regularly.
Cut withered or dried fronds with clean, sharp scissors.
Planting
When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.
Soak the root ball in room-temperature water.
Choose a spot in partial shade, such as under a tree or facing north. Dig a hole twice as large as the root ball. Line the bottom with heather soil or leaf mold.
Plant phlebodium pseudoaureum. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Fill in the hole with soil and water to encourage root growth. You can then mulch around the base to keep the soil cool.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
When repotting, separate a rhizome with one or two fronds.
Pour a bed of clay balls into a pierced pot. Then add potting soil for green plants, mixed with sand (two-thirds potting soil to one-third sand).
Plant your cutting in the center. Water generously, until the water runs off through the drainage holes.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Substrates
- Calcareous earthHumus soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn pots
- Categories
- IndoorRhizomeHerbaceous
- Tags
- BeginnerThirsty
- Origins
- South AsiaCentral AmericaSouth America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9a (-6.7°C ≤ T° < -3.9°C)
- Leaf color
- Glaucous green
Discover plants from the same family
Golden polypod
Phlebodium aureum
Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star
Phlebodium aureum 'Blue Star'
Phlebodium aureum 'Davana
Phlebodium aureum 'Davana'
Alligator fern
Microsorum musifolium
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
