Caring for Staghorn Ferns

Platycerium alcicorne by Dinkum via Wikimedia Commons

Staghorn ferns (genus Platycerium) can be mounted to make a gorgeous statement in your home. The species that you'll typically find for sale is Platycerium bifurcatum, which refers to the bifurcated or forked ends of the fronds. They are native to temperate and tropical regions of South America, southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Guinea. As epiphytes, they obtain nutrients and moisture directly from the air rather than the ground. 

Shield fronds and the base of three antler fronds. See the new shield frond forming? By Pogrebnoj-Alexandroff via Wikimedia Commons

As epiphytes, they do well if mounted to a board or piece of wood. They also do just as well if you keep them potted. As ferns, they reproduce via spores rather than pollen or seeds. Their spores are brown in color and are produced on the undersides of the fronds (the 'leaves' of ferns). 

They have an interesting architecture composed of two types of fronds: antler fronds and shield fronds. The antler fronds are forked and grow out away from the base of the plant. The shield fronds are round and grow at the base of the plant and, as you might guess, protect the roots. It's normal for shield fronds to eventually turn brown in color - don't let this alarm you.

Light

Like many of the plants in our shop, staghorn ferns thrive in bright indirect light, both indoors and outside. 

Water

As tropical plants, staghorn ferns prefer a humid environment. If you live in a drier climate, you can mimic humidity by misting your plant anywhere from once a day to once a week. These plants also do well with frequent soaking. Every 1-2 weeks either drench the pot with the fern in it, or if your plant is mounted you can soak it in the sink or a bowl. The key is to allow the plant medium to dry out between waterings.

Mounted staghorn ferns.