Polypodium formosanum

An interesting fern from Japan, Taiwan, China and nearby areas, Polypodium formosanum is easy to grow yet rather rare.

The fronds are a light green and this is a semi deciduous fern in cooler climates.

Well suited to growing in a hanging baskets, as a ground cover in a Japanese style garden or perhaps in a vertical wall.

This rhizomatous fern has an interesting blue green rhizome, which gives it another common name of ‘Blue Feet’.

Care

In hanging baskets us a potting mix that is rich with organic material.
Fertilise from spring through summer with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.

A position in shade to good filtered light is best, and keep the plant away from heating and air-conditioning outlets.

Repot every 2- 3 years as the growing medium begins to break down. The best time to repot is in spring.

Prune back old growth in winter as it dies back.

Summary Information

• Botanical Name – Polypodium formosanum
• Common Name – Grub Fern, Green caterpillar fern, or Blue feet
• Family – Pteridaceae
• Origins – Japan, Taiwan, China.
• Height – To around .5m
• Spread To around Clumping to around .5 metres.
• Growth rate – Medium to fast
• Position – Part shade to dappled light.
• Soil – Humus rich with some moisture
• Flowering Time – N/A
• Foliage – Light green.
• Frost tolerant – No.
• Drought tolerant – No.

Polypodium formosanum is available for sale from the following participating nurseries