Platycerium bifurcatum (Staghorn Fern), with its unique growth habit and striking appearance, is a fascinating addition to any plant collection. While it requires specific care to thrive, resembling its natural tropical habitat, its non-toxic nature and air-purifying abilities make it a rewarding choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening enthusiasts.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Platycerium bifurcatum, the elkhorn fern or common staghorn fern, is a species of fern native to Java, New Guinea and eastern Australia, in New South Wales, Queensland and on Lord Howe Island. It is a bracket epiphyte occurring in and near rainforests. Growing to 90 cm (35 in) tall by 80 cm (31 in) broad, it has heart-shaped sterile fronds 12–45 cm (5–18 in) long, and arching grey-green fertile fronds which are forked and strap-shaped, and grow up to 90 cm (35 in) long.
The genus name Platycerium comes from the Greek platys (flat), and ceras (horn), while the specific epithet bifurcatum means bifurcated or forked. Both names are referring to the fertile fronds.
Platycerium bifurcatum is cultivated as an ornamental plant for gardens. With a minimum temperature requirement of 5 °C (41 °F), in temperate regions it may be grown outdoors in sheltered locations, otherwise as a houseplant. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Staghorn ferns prefer to be kept in a location that offers consistent but shaded light. That being said, they can handle more sunlight if given enough water, warmth, and humidity. Just be cautious about allowing any direct rays to hit the fragile fronds, as they can burn easily.
Temperature and Humidity
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s that staghorn ferns love humidity. Though more mature staghorn can survive briefly freezing temperatures, they thrive in warm, humid conditions. Care should be taken to maintain those conditions (at least above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and below 100 degrees Fahrenheit), especially when they’re young.
To increase the humidity around your plant, try placing it in one of the more naturally humid areas of your home, such as the bathroom or kitchen. If that doesn’t work, increase the humidity around the plant by using a small-scale humidifier or spritzing the plant periodically.
Watering
Proper watering is an essential component of a staghorn fern’s success. They’ll need frequent watering, but the base should be allowed to dry out in between—about once a week in warmer climates or during the summer months, and once every two to three weeks in cooler months.
For easy watering, remove your fern and its mounting from the wall (or wherever it’s hung) and soak it in a sink filled with water for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the roots are fully saturated. Allow to drip dry before rehanging.
Soil and Mounting
Though young ferns may be started in a moist traditional potting mixture, staghorn ferns should be mounted once they progress toward maturity. Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, growing on the sides of trees or other plants in the wild, and will therefore thrive in similar conditions in your home. To mount, you’ll need a starting lump of peat, compost, moss, or other organic matter to act as the base, but beyond that should not need additional soil.
Mounting is done by securing the fern with its bottom embedded in a lump of peat, compost, moss, or another organic material to a wooden board or bark slab, using a fishing line or wire. The mounted fern can then be hung from the wall. As new fronds grow, they will gradually hide the fastening material as they grow to cover the old fronds. Though it grows slowly, a staghorn fern ends up quite large and impressive once mature. The mass can grow large and heavy and may require remounting on a larger slab.
Fertilizing
To promote increased growth in your staghorn fern, you can feed it monthly with a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer—this is best done during the spring and summer when the fern experiences active growth. Fertilizing frequency can slow to every other month during the fall and winter. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Pruning
Prune brown or dead fronds to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
Propagation
Staghorn ferns can be propagated by division. Take these steps.
- Large, mature staghorn can be easily divided into small “chunks” that include a leaf and a bit of root ball.
- Plant the sections individually in pots filled with peat and compost.
- Make sure new divisions are kept warm and moist until they are growing independently.
- Don’t get discouraged if newly-cut divisions take a little time to root (or if it takes a few tries)—propagating ferns takes some practice, and even experienced gardeners don’t always find it easy.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Staghorn ferns are relatively pest-free on their own but can be afflicted with spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs, especially if nearby houseplants come down with the pests. More frequently, you’ll see black spots on a staghorn fern, directly related to too much humidity or traveling spores. To treat the fern, use neem oil or another natural fungicide.
Common Problems
A staghorn fern’s fronds may grow differently and experience varied stages depending on its type. However, here are some common and general issues to be aware of when growing a staghorn fern.
Blackening Fronds
It’s challenging to find the right amount of water your staghorn fern prefers. If you notice the fronds have begun to blacken towards the base of the plant, it’s likely your plant is being overwatered.
Wilting Frond Tips
If the tips of the fronds begin to wilt, the plant probably needs to be watered more frequently.
Brown Shield Fronds
Shield fronds are the small, flat leaves that cover the root structure. It’s normal for shield fronds on the base to turn brown and dry up. Shield fronds should be allowed to remain on the plant.1
Brown Growth Underneath the Antler Fronds
If you spot a brownish, velvety material on the underside of longer antler fronds, do not worry and do not remove them. The brown velvety material is normal reproductive sporangia.
III. Types of Staghorn Fern
Including Platycerium bifurcatum, there are about 18 other ferns in the Platycerium genus, several of which are also known as staghorn ferns. The other species, however, tend to be more difficult to grow and are usually cultivated only by serious enthusiasts or collectors. Some better-known other species include:
- P. veitchii (silver staghorn or elkhorn fern): This is a smaller, slower-growing fern with blue-green fronds. It is more sun tolerant, and casual growers can sometimes succeed with this plant.
- P. hillii (stiff or green staghorn fern): This is another smaller species, with very broad bright green fronds 2 to 3 feet long.
- P. andinum (American or Blake staghorn fern): Despite the common name, this native of the Amazon has 5-foot-long fronds that are much narrower than other species.
- P. coronarium (crown staghorn fern): This plant produces long, forked, and pendulous leaves that look great from a hanging basket.
- P. stemaria (triangle staghorn fern):This very striking staghorn fern produces leaves formed with deep V’s that look like layers of draped horns.
- P. elephantosis (elephant ear staghorn fern): This staghorn fern grows 4-foot wide ridged leaves.
III. Uses and Benefits
Its unique appearance makes it a favorite in ornamental horticulture. It’s often used in hanging baskets or mounted on boards and placed on walls to mimic its natural tree-growing habit. In large, tropical-themed gardens, it can be a striking addition.
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, it can also improve indoor air quality. As an epiphyte, it absorbs nutrients and water from the air, potentially reducing airborne pollutants.
Find Where to Buy the Best Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
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