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Staghorn fern (Platycerium Bifurcatum) makes an attractive ornamental sculpture for a wall indoors or seasonally outdoors in warmer climates. The Royal Horticulture Society Award of Garden Merit gave the nod to this plant in 1993. Their sterile heart-shaped basal fronds overlap and shield the base of the fern's roots. Initially dull green and succulent, they turn papery tan to cinnamon-brown with age. The fertile or foliar fronds are brighter green, branched, and shaped like antlers grow from the base. Each frond forks into two or three portions several times along their length. Dark brownish masses on the underside of these fertile fronds' tips are spores. Many pups grow to comprise the entire plant but can be removed. This plant is an excellent living wall sculpture to any back porch or brightly lit interior space.
Staghorn Fern Care Guide & Presentation
Give this plant bright, indirect light in a southern-facing window or a combination of exposures. The brighter the light, the more increased waviness of the leaves.
Use filtered, bottled, or tap water sitting 24 hours to release the chemicals and water enough that the water discharges out of the drainage holes. Once the water is fully drained, replace them into the cache or decorative pot. Don't let the roots sit in standing water. Keep the soil consistently moist and well-drained. When watering, avoid the frond rosette to prevent rotting. Keep the leaves dry to avoid fungal and bacterial infections.
Enjoys medium to high humidity. Add a pebble tray or humidifier to keep the humidity around them high but don't spritz the leaves as that can cause fungal and bacterial infections. Keep the leaves dry.
This plant likes warmer temperatures. Keep them out of cold drafts.
Outside: Keep in shade on a patio out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn where nights are above 65°F.
Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) by diluting a liquid fertilizer by half strength. Let the plant rest in the fall and winter. Note: If the leaves lose the wavy edges, your plant may be getting too much fertilizer. If so, fertilize once a month.
When receiving the plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months or if the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes.
Repot in the spring, using a 2" bigger pot to keep the roots drier. Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite with an equal mix of charcoal to help with drainage and hold plant nutrients.
Water your plant in the old pot before transferring over and let sit an hour. Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to the soil and allow to drain. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen.
Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling.
Ensure the plant is sitting about 1" below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over.
Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil.
Misting the leaves daily will keep the leaves on this plant clean. Remove any debris from the soil surface and replenish if needed. Trimi any damaged or browning tips and avoid letting water or debris fall into the rosette.
Birds nest fern is very tough to propagate for the average gardener.
If you adventurous and a bit curious, try reproducing your own bird's nest fern by harvesting their spores. The spores are the small rows of brownish, fuzzy spots along the bottom of the leaves. When these spores look fat and fuzzy, trim off the leaf they're on by cutting them down to the bottom of the stem. Delicately set them into a paper plate. Over the next few days, the spores should fall onto the paper plate as they dry.
Afterward, gather several containers of sphagnum moss. Spread the spores over the top surface, and keep them uncovered. Put your pots of moss and spores in a dish of water to bottom soak through the moss. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini "greenhouse" to keep humidity high, or hand-mist the top daily. Keep the temperatures between 70-80 degrees in bright, indirect light.
Germination starts in approximately 2-3 weeks if the humidity is kept high. Once the sprouts have grown, remove the plastic cover. Provide high humidity around the leaves as they grow by using a pebble tray and humidifier.
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Staghorn Fern: Overview
The Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is a unique and visually striking plant known for its antler-like fronds that give it a sculptural, artistic appearance. This epiphytic fern, which can also grow terrestrially, belongs to the Polypodiaceae family and is native to tropical and subtropical regions such as Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The plant typically grows to 2-3 feet in height and width, with fronds extending up to 3 feet long.
Staghorn ferns thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-12 and prefer bright, indirect light, making them ideal for indoor environments. The Staghorn fern is moderately easy to care for, requiring specific humidity and watering conditions, but their dramatic presence makes them worth the effort. These ferns are often associated with strength and resilience, given their unique ability to grow in challenging environments. While generally safe, it’s best to keep your pets from nibbling on any houseplants, regardless of toxicity.
Other varieties on our fern plants page include the popular Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum diversifolium) and the elegant Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum).
Staghorn Fern: Alternative Names
- Elkhorn Fern
- Antelope Ears
- Platycerium Fern
- Air Fern
- Deer Horn Fern
- Platycerium coronarium
Staghorn Fern: Benefits
- Purifies indoor air
- Adds aesthetic appeal, especially when mounted
- Easy-care small plant with low maintenance needs
- Brings an exotic vibe to any space
- Pet-friendly and safe for households with animals
Staghorn Fern: Care Guide
Staghorn ferns are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginners and more experienced plant enthusiasts. They thrive in warm and humid conditions that mimic their natural habitat.
Watering & Humidity
Staghorn ferns have low water requirements. Water them thoroughly once a week, allowing the water to soak through the soil. Good pot drainage is essential, as these ferns don’t like wet feet. The Staghorn fern likes medium to high humidity but avoid misting the leaves to prevent fungal or bacterial infection.
Light & Temperature
Staghorn ferns thrive in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch their fronds. Ideal temperatures range between 60-80°F (16-27°C). Keep them away from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Soil, Feeding & Mounting
Staghorn ferns can be grown terrestrially in a loose, well-draining potting mix or mounted on a piece of wood or in hanging baskets, mimicking their natural epiphytic growth. When mounting Staghorn Fern, use sphagnum moss or a similar medium to hold moisture around the roots. If potted, use a mix that includes bark or perlite for good aeration. Feed your staghorn fern with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning and Cleaning
Pruning isn’t typically necessary, but you can remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain the plant's appearance. Be gentle when handling the fronds, as they are delicate. Maintaining a clean environment for your staghorn fern is crucial. Dust the fronds lightly with a soft cloth to keep them free from dust and ensure they can photosynthesize effectively.
Propagation & Common Issues
Propagation is usually done through division. Carefully separate the Staghorn Fern pups from the parent plant, ensuring each division has roots attached. Common issues include browning tips, resulting from low humidity or underwatering. If the fronds appear limp or yellow, it may indicate overwatering. Treat the plant promptly for pests like scale.
Staghorn Fern: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants
Staghorn ferns are versatile and striking plants that bring an exotic touch to any space. Their unique appearance and easy-care nature make them ideal for various environments and plant lovers.
Best Locations & Uses
- Staghorn ferns are ideal for creating eye-catching displays in vertical spaces.
- As a non-toxic plant, it’s a safe choice for homes with curious pets.
- Staghorn ferns thrive outdoors in shaded, humid environments, making them perfect for porches or patios.
- A potted Staghorn Fern’s low maintenance needs and forgiving nature make them excellent for those new to plant care.
- The unique shape and easy care make it a memorable and meaningful gift.
Companion Plants
Staghorn ferns pair beautifully with other plants that complement their unique appearance and care needs.
- Claire Guzmania Bromeliad (Claire Guzmania Bromeliad): The Claire Gizmania Bromeliad is a bright, tropical plant that adds a pop of color with its vibrant flowers, complementing the lush green of the staghorn fern.
- Flamingo Flower (Anthurium spp. - Red): With its bold red blooms and glossy leaves, the Flamingo Flower adds a touch of elegance and contrast to the Staghorn fern's textured fronds.
- Hindu Hoya Rope Plant (Hoya carnosa 'Compacta'): The twisted, trailing vines of the Hindu Hoya Rope Plant create a stunning visual contrast, perfect for pairing with a mounted or hanging Staghorn fern.
Alternative Plants
If you're considering other options similar to the Staghorn fern, here are some excellent alternatives:
- Japanese Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum): The Japanese Bird’s Nest Fern has broad, wavy fronds that offer a strikingly different texture but similar low-maintenance care needs, making it perfect for beginners.
- Hurricane Fern (Asplenium antiquum 'Hurricane'): The Hurricane Fern is known for its lush, feathery fronds, and is also pet-friendly and an excellent air purifier, ideal for adding greenery to your space.
- Black Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis): With its delicate, lacy fronds and unique fuzzy rhizomes, the Black Rabbit Foot Fern offers an exotic look while being easy to care for and non-toxic to pets.
Green Up Your Space With Staghorn Fern From Lively Root
Bring an exotic touch to your home with a Staghorn Fern from Lively Root! Shop now and transform your space with this stunning, pet-friendly plant.
