Platycerium bifurcatum
Staghorn Fern
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Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) - Description
Platycerium bifurcatum (elkhorn fern or staghorn fern) is a species of fern native to Java, New Guinea and southeastern 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.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) - Blooming
Produces spores in large patches on the undersides of the fertile fronds.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) - Growth
Grows best in partial shade. Outdoors, in warm regions, grow Staghorn Ferns epiphytically on a tree.For indoor plants, grow epiphytically in long-fiber sphagnum, a board, or thick branch. Grow as houseplants, in a temperate or cool greenhouse, or in a conservatory. They prefer to be hanging.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) - Planting
When ripe, sow the spores at 70°F (21°C).Also propagate when mounds 4" (10cm) across have formed, by detaching the plantlets produced from the root tips.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) - Pest
Scale insects may cause problems.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) - Interesting facts
Staghorn Ferns are epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants). They have specialized fronds that are upright and form a bowl. This "bowl" acts to collect falling leaf matter and other organic debris from the tree that it is growing on. As the organic matter slowly decays, it slowly provides nutrients to the Staghorn Fern.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) - Soil and irrigation
Water freely and provide a daily mist during the growing season. Water sparingly in winter.
