Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
Staghorn Fern is a dramatic tropical fern prized for its large, branching fronds that resemble the antlers of a deer or elk. Unlike traditional ferns that grow from soil, Staghorn Ferns are naturally epiphytic, growing attached to trees and other surfaces rather than rooting in the ground. Mature plants develop two distinctly different types of fronds: upright or cascading green fertile fronds and rounded shield fronds that protect the roots and help collect moisture and organic material.
The name Staghorn Fern refers to plants in the genus Platycerium, which contains multiple species. One of the most commonly grown houseplant species is Platycerium bifurcatum, but other Platycerium species and hybrids are also sold under the Staghorn Fern name. Because care requirements can vary somewhat among species, this guide is intended for the commonly cultivated forms.
Staghorn Ferns do best in bright, indirect light. They appreciate plenty of filtered light and can tolerate some gentle morning sunlight, but prolonged intense direct sun can scorch the fronds.
Water thoroughly when the growing medium has begun to dry, allowing the roots to receive plenty of moisture before draining completely. Mounted plants can be watered by thoroughly saturating or briefly soaking the root area and then allowing excess water to drain. Potted specimens should never remain waterlogged. Watering frequency will vary considerably depending on temperature, humidity, airflow, and whether the fern is mounted or potted.
Staghorn Ferns require an airy, fast-draining growing medium rather than dense traditional potting soil. Orchid bark, sphagnum moss, coco chips, and other coarse epiphytic materials work well. They can also be mounted on wood or another sturdy surface with an appropriate moisture-retentive material surrounding the root system.
Staghorn Ferns prefer warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity with good airflow. They appreciate humidity but should not remain constantly wet, particularly around the crown. Good air circulation helps the plant dry appropriately between waterings.
The rounded shield fronds are an important part of the plant and should not be removed, even when they turn brown and papery. These fronds naturally age from green to brown while protecting the roots and helping support the plant. The antler-shaped fertile fronds may also develop brown, fuzzy patches on their undersides. These are spore-producing structures called sori and are a normal part of a mature fern, not necessarily a sign of disease.
Staghorn Ferns are generally considered pet-friendly and non-toxic to cats and dogs. As with any plant, consuming large amounts of foliage may still cause mild digestive upset, so it is best to discourage pets from chewing on the fronds.
Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
