Phlebodium aureum 'Davana' – Lush, Sculptural Fern with Golden Rhizomes

Phlebodium aureum 'Davana' brings a bold twist to the classic fern look. With its ruffled, scalloped fronds and soft blue-green coloring, this epiphytic species adds texture and movement to any indoor jungle. Native to tropical and subtropical forests of the Americas, 'Davana' naturally grows on tree trunks, absorbing moisture from the air through its golden, fuzzy rhizomes. The result? A fern that’s both low-maintenance and visually stunning.
Whether you’re into semi-hydro setups or classic pots, this pet-safe fern thrives with minimal fuss and lots of style. If you’ve been looking for a sculptural foliage plant that breaks the mold, this one delivers.
Why Phlebodium aureum 'Davana' Deserves a Spot in Your Space
 
Striking Foliage: Deeply lobed, ruffled fronds arch outward in a full, bushy shape.
 
Color Evolution: New leaves emerge pale green and mature to an elegant powdery blue-green.
 
Rhizome Feature: Golden, fuzzy rhizomes spread across the surface, storing moisture and nutrients.
 
Safe Choice: Non-toxic to pets and humans — no worries around curious paws.
Where Phlebodium aureum 'Davana' Grows in the Wild
 
Native Habitat: Found across Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America, growing epiphytically in humid rainforests.
 
Natural Adaptation: Uses trees and rocks as hosts rather than soil, taking in nutrients through its rhizomes.
 
Growth Form: Compact, spreading habit with fronds up to 50 cm long indoors.
How to Care for Phlebodium aureum 'Davana'
☀️ Light Preferences
 
Thrives in bright, indirect light.
 
Can tolerate medium light, though growth may slow slightly.
 
Keep out of direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
💧 Watering Needs
 
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry.
 
Keep substrate lightly moist — avoid soggy conditions.
 
Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
🌡️ Ideal Temperature and Humidity
 
Loves high humidity over 50% — group with other plants or use a humidifier.
 
Best temperature range: 18–27°C.
 
Protect from cold air and sudden temperature swings.
🌱 Soil and Pot Setup
 
Use a breathable mix: orchid bark, perlite, and peat-based potting soil work well.
 
Shallow, wide pots suit its spreading rhizomes best.
 
Keep rhizomes at soil surface, not buried.
🪴 Repotting Tips
 
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots crowd the pot edge.
 
Use fresh substrate and gently tease apart rhizomes if dividing.
🌿 Fertilizing Routine
 
Feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer during active growth phases.
 
Pause if growth slows — no need for fixed seasonal rules.
🌱 Propagation by Rhizome Division
 
Split rhizomes during repotting with a clean knife.
 
Each section should include roots and at least one healthy frond.
 
Keep humidity high while divisions establish.
💧 Semi-Hydro Compatibility
 
Adapts well to LECA or pon — keep rhizomes slightly above the water line.
 
Monitor moisture levels and keep air circulation consistent.
✂️ Pruning and Maintenance
 
Remove yellow or damaged fronds to maintain appearance.
 
Do not over-prune — this fern prefers a natural, full look.
Common Problems with Phlebodium aureum 'Davana'
🐛 Pests to Watch For
 
Spider Mites: A sign of dry air — boost humidity and treat with insecticidal soap.
 
Mealybugs: Remove manually with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs.
 
Fungus Gnats: Usually from overwatering — let top layer of soil dry out between watering.
🌿 Leaf Issues
 
Brown Tips: Often caused by low humidity or irregular watering.
 
Yellow Leaves: Usually due to soggy soil or poor drainage.
 
Drooping Fronds: Typically a sign of underwatering — check substrate moisture.
Did You Know?
 
This fern’s golden rhizomes aren’t just pretty — they’re designed for absorbing moisture in rainforest air.
 
Its powdery blue hue is due to a natural wax layer that limits evaporation.
 
'Davana' is a cultivar of Phlebodium aureum, selected for its extra-scalloped fronds and compact form.
Etymology of Phlebodium aureum
 
Phlebodium: From Greek phlebos (vein) and eidos (form), referencing the prominent venation.
 
Aureum: Latin for “golden,” alluding to the distinctive rhizomes.
 
Originally described as Polypodium aureum by Linnaeus, later reassigned to Phlebodium.
Order Phlebodium aureum 'Davana' Now
Want a fern that turns heads without turning into a maintenance nightmare? Phlebodium aureum 'Davana' is it. Sculptural, pet-safe, humidity-loving — it brings tropical forest vibes right to your living room. Order now and bring a little rainforest resilience home.