Phlebodium aureum 'Davana'

Where this plant comes from

The wild species behind Davana, Phlebodium aureum, occurs across tropical America: Florida and the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, and tropical South America. It is chiefly a tree-growing fern of humid forest and seasonal tropical settings, although it can also grow on rocks or in accumulated organic material.

In January 2015, Dutch grower Kelly Raadschelders noticed a spontaneous whole-plant mutation among cultivated ‘Blue Star’ ferns in De Kwakel, the Netherlands. The plant was selected and propagated for its particularly fine, deeply divided fronds and later introduced as Davana. De Kwakel marks where this cultivar appeared; the species itself remains native to tropical America.

Moisture and airflow for healthy fronds

Feeding, root care and propagation: Use dilute balanced fertiliser while new fronds are developing, avoiding salt build-up around the fine roots. A broad, shallow pot suits the horizontal rhizome better than unnecessary depth. An established plant can be divided by separating a rooted rhizome section with an active growing point. Division preserves the Davana frond shape, while spore-grown plants may vary.

Light, temperature and watering: Filtered bright conditions or light shade suit Davana. A little gentle sun can be introduced gradually, but sudden intense exposure can mark the finely divided fronds. Very low light produces slower, looser growth. Maintain stable warmth during active growth and avoid leaving a cool root ball continuously wet. After delivery, give the fern time to settle before repotting or increasing its light.

Watering, root care and humidity: Plant in a loose, moisture-retentive mix with generous bark or mineral particles so air can reach the roots. Water the entire root ball once the surface has started to lose moisture, then drain it fully. The mix should not remain waterlogged, but repeated complete drying can sacrifice fronds. Keep the furry creeping rhizome at the surface; covering it encourages decay around its growing points. Moderate to high humidity supports clean frond expansion, while airflow limits stagnant moisture.

What to watch for

Davana's narrow frond divisions show moisture stress quickly. Dry tips and sudden collapse can follow a root ball that dried completely, while dull yellow fronds and a wet, cool mix suggest impaired roots. Harsh light produces pale or tan patches on the most exposed tissue. Compare the damage with moisture deeper in the root ball and any recent change in position. Restore stable filtered light, then keep the mix evenly moist but well drained instead of alternating between drought and saturation.

A firm surface-running rhizome, the fern's horizontal stem, is healthy when it is covered in tan or golden hairs. Blackened, soft areas or fronds detaching from a mushy growing point indicate decay, often after the rhizome was covered or the mix stayed waterlogged. Uncover it, improve drainage and remove only tissue that is unmistakably rotten. Healthy divisions must retain roots and a live growing point; loose frond pieces cannot rebuild the plant.

Evenly spaced brown sori beneath mature fronds are normal. Random brown discs, cottony deposits, sticky residue or mobile specks point instead to scale, mealybugs or mites. Separate the plant from nearby foliage, inspect the stalk bases and both frond surfaces, and treat the identified pest with a product suitable for ferns. Remove badly exhausted fronds at the base, but preserve clean new growth so the rhizome can regain strength.

Phlebodium aureum ‘Davana’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

Who first published the name Phlebodium aureum, and when?

Phlebodium comes from Greek phleb-, meaning vein.

John Smith established the genus Phlebodium in 1841 in Journal of Botany (Hooker), volume 4, page 58.

Carl Linnaeus first described it as Polypodium aureum in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1087. John Smith later placed it in Phlebodium as Phlebodium aureum in 1841 in Journal of Botany (Hooker), volume 4, page 59.