Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.
Starscale Fern (Pleopeltis astrolepis) is a charming epiphytic fern with distinctive star-shaped scales on its fronds, native to tropical Americas.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright Indirect Light
50% intensity
Thrives in dappled shade or bright, indirect light. Protect from direct sunlight which can scorch the fronds.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers evenly moist soil; avoid drying out completely or becoming waterlogged.
Well-draining, organic-rich potting mix
50% intensity
Average Room Temperature
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid drastic temperature fluctuations and cold drafts.
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Feed with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season; reduce or cease in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.
Prune to remove any dead, damaged, or discolored fronds. This can be done at any time of year. Trimming helps maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal and encourages new growth.
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears for a neat cut.
Propagation is typically done by division of established clumps during repotting. Carefully separate sections of the rhizome, ensuring each division has healthy roots and a few fronds.
Replant immediately in suitable potting mix.
Repot the Starscale Fern every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite.
Repot in spring.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Starscale Fern (Pleopeltis astrolepis)
Where Starscale Fern (Pleopeltis astrolepis) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Pleopeltis |
| Species | Pleopeltis astrolepis |
Similar in genus Pleopeltis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data