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golden polypody (Phlebodium aureum)

Phlebodium aureum is a perennial fern with a creeping rhizome, primarily epiphytic but occasionally terrestrial or lithophytic, and is commonly grown as an indoor foliage plant.

LightIt does well in bright light while avoiding strong direct light, with part sun to shade being suitable.
WaterKeep the growing medium moist without waterlogging, allowing it to become slightly dry between waterings and watering thoroughly once the potting medium begins to dry.
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer high humidity and need good airflow.
TemperatureThe few available sources report a minimum temperature of about 5 °C. It is generally reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing. It is considered tender. A single source reports a USDA hardiness class
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golden polypody illustration

Overview

Phlebodium aureum is a perennial fern with a creeping rhizome, primarily epiphytic but occasionally terrestrial or lithophytic, and is commonly grown as an indoor foliage plant.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, describing tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas from Florida and far southeastern Georgia south through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to South America, with southern limits including Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It primarily grows as an epiphyte in tropical rainforest canopies, on trunks and palms, but can also grow on rocks, moss-covered surfaces, or soil, and occurs in environments including cloud forests, open forests, and wetlands. It occurs in tropical to subtropical climates and favors moist conditions, although some habitats have a dry season during which the fronds may briefly be shed.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 50–152.4 cm, while the few available sources report a mature spread of about 10–50 cm. Sources differ in descriptions of the large, deeply divided to pinnatifid fronds, which can have wavy margins and range in color from bright green and gray-green to blue-green; some cultivated forms have a pronounced gray-blue tone. It has a creeping rhizome.

Light

It does well in bright light while avoiding strong direct light, with part sun to shade being suitable.

Watering

Keep the growing medium moist without waterlogging, allowing it to become slightly dry between waterings and watering thoroughly once the potting medium begins to dry.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer high humidity and need good airflow.

Temperature and dormancy

The few available sources report a minimum temperature of about 5 °C. It is generally reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing. It is considered tender. A single source reports a USDA hardiness classification, but the claim provides only qualitative precision.

Growing medium and mounting

Use a loose, organic-rich, well-drained growing medium; sources differ on conditions, with NC State recommending acidic conditions while RHS lists loam and neutral pH.

Propagation

It can be propagated by division, including by dividing the rhizome, and naturally also reproduces by spores. The tiny spores are dispersed by wind and are reported to be able to spread into pots of other indoor plants and reproduce there.

Common problems

Reported pests include spider mites, thrips, Florida fern caterpillars, and fungus gnats. Crown rot and root rot can occur, although RHS describes the plant as generally having few diseases. Browning fronds are generally reported to be associated with insufficient humidity, while curled fronds are common with low humidity or insufficient water; excessive moisture and poor drainage carry risks of crown and root rot. It does not tolerate frost or freezing, and indoor plants should also be kept away from cold drafts and direct heat sources.

Identification

The creeping rhizome has golden-brown to golden scales or a hair-like covering, while the deeply divided fronds are often blue-green, gray-green, or grayish in tone. Mature fronds bear large, round sori on their undersides, arranged along both sides of the midrib of the frond divisions.

Photos

Phlebodium aureum
📷 Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0 · source
Phlebodium aureum
📷 Vítor Jorge, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Vítor · CC BY · source
Phlebodium aureum
📷 Turner Brockman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded b · CC BY-SA · source

Sources