Understanding the ET Fern
The ET Fern (Phlebodium aureum), also known as the Blue Star Fern, is named for its distinctive wavy, blue-green fronds. These fronds resemble the alien character from the film E.T., giving rise to its popular moniker. Fronds can grow 1 to 3 feet long in ideal conditions.
In its natural habitat, Phlebodium aureum grows epiphytically on other plants, such as trees, rather than rooting directly in soil. This informs its specific care requirements as a houseplant.
Caring for Your ET Fern
Light
ET Ferns thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural forest understory environment. North or east-facing windows provide suitable conditions, offering ample light without harsh direct sun. Direct sunlight scorches delicate fronds, causing brown, crispy edges. Insufficient light causes pale, leggy fronds, hindering robust growth.
Water
Consistent moisture is important, but avoid waterlogging. Allowing the top inch or two of potting mix to dry before rewatering provides the right balance. Overwatering leads to root rot, while prolonged dryness stresses the plant. Ferns are sensitive to tap water chemicals; use distilled, filtered, or rainwater for healthier growth.
Humidity
High humidity levels are beneficial for the ET Fern, reflecting its native tropical environment. A humidity level of 60% or higher is preferred to prevent fronds from browning at the tips. Increase humidity through regular misting, pebble trays, or a room humidifier. Grouping with other plants also creates a localized microclimate with elevated humidity.
Soil
A well-draining, airy potting mix suits ET Ferns, accommodating their epiphytic tendencies. A blend of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss or coco coir offers necessary aeration and moisture retention. This substrate prevents compaction around rhizomes and allows air circulation to roots. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range, between 5.5 and 7.0, is also preferred for optimal nutrient uptake.
Fertilizer
ET Ferns are not heavy feeders and are sensitive to over-fertilization. During their active growing season, spring and summer, a diluted liquid fertilizer can be applied every two to four weeks. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half or quarter strength to avoid nutrient burn. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely during the cooler, dormant months of fall and winter.
Temperature
Maintain a stable room temperature for the ET Fern, with a preferred range between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They do not tolerate extreme cold or sudden temperature fluctuations. Place the plant away from drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or heating units to maintain a consistent environment. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause significant frond damage.
Common Problems and Solutions
Browning fronds or crispy tips on an ET Fern indicate low humidity, insufficient watering, or excessive direct light exposure. Increase ambient humidity, adjust watering frequency for consistent moisture, and relocate the plant to bright, indirect light to resolve these issues. Addressing these environmental factors is the first step in recovery.
Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering, leading to root suffocation, or a nutrient deficiency. Allow the soil to dry more between waterings and check for proper drainage to mitigate overwatering. If nutrient deficiency is suspected, a light application of balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season provides necessary elements.
While ET Ferns are resilient, they can encounter common houseplant pests such as spider mites or scale insects. Regularly inspect fronds, especially undersides, for early detection. Gentle pest control methods, like wiping affected areas with a damp cloth or applying diluted neem oil, manage infestations. A lack of new growth points to insufficient light or inadequate nutrient supply, necessitating an adjustment in care routine.
Propagating the ET Fern
Propagating the ET Fern is best achieved through division, a straightforward method suitable for home growers. This process is best performed when the plant has grown large enough to be repotted, every two to three years. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each new section has healthy roots and at least a few fronds.
Each divided section can then be potted individually using a well-draining fern mix. While ET Ferns produce spores on their fronds’ undersides, propagating from spores is a complex, time-consuming process requiring specific sterile conditions. For the average enthusiast, rhizome division offers a reliable and accessible way to expand their collection.