Description
Golden polypody comes from South and Central America, the southern United States and the West Indies. The fern takes its name from the yellow colour of the spore clusters on the undersides of the fronds. It grows both on trees and on the ground. It has a very characteristic creeping rhizome densely covered with scales and strongly hairy. The fern forms deeply cut, simply pinnate fronds on long stalks, up to a metre long. They are blue-green, with light yellow spore clusters underneath, and very decorative. In the wild phlebodium is a huge fern with drooping fronds up to 150 cm long.
Requirements
It likes plenty of light, but does not tolerate direct sun; it grows best in partial shade. The position must be warm, but cooler in winter – minimum 12–16°C, though it is better if the temperature does not drop below 14°C.
Propagation
It is propagated by sowing spores and by dividing the rhizomes.
Care
The compost should always be slightly moist. It grows well in high air humidity, so misting is beneficial. Ordinary compost-based soil is enough; during growth feed every two weeks. This fern spreads very quickly, so repot it every spring.