Staghorn Fern

Overview

Staghorn Ferns (Platycerium) are extraordinary epiphytic plants that have captivated plant enthusiasts with their unique growth habit and distinctive fronds that resemble the antlers of a stag or elk. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia, these fascinating ferns grow naturally on tree trunks and branches rather than in soil, absorbing nutrients and moisture from the air and organic matter that collects around their roots.

What makes Staghorn Ferns particularly distinctive is their two different types of fronds, each serving a specific purpose. The flat, rounded "shield" or "sterile" fronds grow against the mounting surface, helping the plant attach itself and collect nutrients and water. These shield fronds start green but eventually turn brown as they age—a normal process that shouldn't be confused with poor health. The second type, the "fertile" or "antler" fronds, grow outward and upward, resembling deer antlers with their forked, flattened shape. These are the photosynthetic fronds that give the plant its common name and distinctive appearance.

In their natural habitat, Staghorn Ferns can grow to impressive sizes, with some specimens spanning several feet across. When cultivated indoors, they typically remain smaller but can still develop into striking specimens over time. Their unique growth habit makes them ideal for wall-mounting, creating living art pieces that serve as dramatic focal points in interior spaces.

Unlike many houseplants, Staghorn Ferns don't require soil to thrive. Instead, they're typically mounted on wooden boards, in wire baskets, or occasionally grown in very loose, well-draining potting media. This epiphytic nature makes them particularly well-suited for creative displays that showcase their architectural form.

While Staghorn Ferns have somewhat specific care requirements, particularly regarding watering and humidity, they're remarkably resilient once established. They can live for decades with proper care, often becoming family heirlooms passed down through generations. Their slow but steady growth means they develop more character and impressive size with age, becoming increasingly valuable and striking specimens over time.

With their unusual growth habit, distinctive appearance, and ability to be displayed as living sculptures, Staghorn Ferns offer a unique way to bring the beauty of nature indoors. Their exotic appearance adds a touch of tropical elegance to any space, while their epiphytic growing style provides opportunities for creative mounting and display that few other houseplants can match.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

Staghorn Ferns need adequate light to thrive while being protected from intense direct sun:

• Bright indirect light: Ideal for most Staghorn Fern varieties
• Medium light: Can tolerate, though growth may slow
• Low light: Not recommended as it leads to poor growth and potential decline
• Direct sunlight: Avoid except for morning sun, as it can scorch the fronds

For optimal growth, place your Staghorn Fern near an east-facing window where it will receive gentle morning sunlight and bright, filtered light throughout the day. If placed near a south or west-facing window, ensure the plant is positioned several feet away from the window or protected by a sheer curtain to filter the intense direct sunlight.

In their natural habitat, Staghorn Ferns grow attached to trees where they receive dappled light filtered through the canopy. This explains their preference for bright but indirect light indoors. The light requirements of Staghorn Ferns directly affect their growth rate and frond development. Insufficient light causes slower growth and smaller fronds, while too much direct light can burn the fronds, creating brown, crispy patches.

During winter months when light levels naturally decrease, you may need to relocate your Staghorn Fern to a brighter spot. However, be careful not to place it too close to cold windows, as these plants are sensitive to temperature extremes.

Watering

Watering Staghorn Ferns properly requires understanding their epiphytic nature:

For Mounted Staghorn Ferns:

• Soak the entire mount and plant in room temperature water for 10-30 minutes every 1-2 weeks
• Allow to drain thoroughly before rehanging
• Between soakings, mist the shield fronds and growing fronds 1-3 times weekly
• Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows
• Increase during hot, dry periods when moisture evaporates more quickly

For Potted Staghorn Ferns:

• Allow the top half of the growing medium to dry out between waterings
• Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes
• Empty the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in water
• Typically water every 7-10 days, depending on your home's conditions
• Adjust frequency based on season and environmental conditions

Water Quality:

• Staghorn Ferns can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water
• If possible, use rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water
• If using tap water, let it sit out overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate

Staghorn Ferns communicate their watering needs through their fronds. Drooping, wrinkled, or curling antler fronds indicate underwatering, while soft, blackening areas at the base of fronds often signal overwatering. The plant prefers to dry out slightly between waterings but should never be allowed to dry out completely for extended periods.

Finding the right watering balance can be one of the trickier aspects of Staghorn Fern care. When in doubt, it's generally better to err slightly on the drier side than to overwater, as these plants are more susceptible to rot than to drought damage.

Mounting & Potting

As epiphytes, Staghorn Ferns grow best when mounted rather than potted, though both methods can work with proper care:

Mounting Options:

• Wooden boards or plaques (cedar, cypress, or other rot-resistant woods)
• Wire baskets lined with sphagnum moss
• Tree fern fiber panels
• Driftwood or branches for a natural look

Mounting Process:

1. Gather materials: mounting board, sphagnum moss, fishing line or coated wire, and the plant
2. Soak sphagnum moss in water until thoroughly wet, then squeeze out excess moisture
3. Place a layer of damp moss on the mounting surface
4. Position the Staghorn Fern with shield fronds against the moss
5. Secure the plant by wrapping fishing line or wire around the mount and over the shield fronds
6. Add additional moss around the base of the plant if needed
7. Hang in an appropriate location with proper light

Potting Alternative:

• Use a wide, shallow pot rather than a deep one
• Create a very loose, well-draining mix:
  • 2 parts orchid bark
  • 1 part perlite or pumice
  • 1 part sphagnum moss or coco coir
• Plant with the base of the shield fronds just at or slightly above the soil line
• Ensure excellent drainage to prevent rot

Remounting/Repotting:

• Staghorn Ferns typically need remounting or repotting every 2-3 years
• Signs it's time include: plant outgrowing its mount, decomposing mounting materials, or declining plant health
• The best time to remount is in spring during the active growing season
• When remounting, you can divide the plant if desired (see Propagation section)

Whether mounted or potted, Staghorn Ferns need excellent air circulation around their fronds and roots. Avoid enclosing them in terrariums or placing them in stuffy corners. Their epiphytic nature means they're accustomed to air movement around all parts of the plant.

Temperature & Humidity

As tropical plants, Staghorn Ferns have specific temperature and humidity preferences:

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Minimum temperature: 50°F (10°C)
• Will suffer damage below 45°F (7°C)
• Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations
• Keep away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditioners

Humidity:

• Prefers moderate to high humidity (50-60%)
• Will struggle in dry environments below 40% humidity
• Increase humidity through these methods:
  • Use a humidifier near the plant
  • Place near other plants to create a microclimate
  • Mist regularly, focusing on the shield fronds
  • For mounted specimens, place damp moss around the base
  • Display in naturally humid rooms like bathrooms (if adequate light is available)

Humidity is particularly important for Staghorn Ferns. In low humidity, fronds may develop brown tips and edges, growth will slow, and the plant becomes more susceptible to pest infestations, particularly spider mites. If you notice these signs, take immediate steps to increase humidity around your plant.

While Staghorn Ferns can adapt to normal household temperatures, they're sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. During winter, be especially mindful of keeping them away from cold windows and doors. Similarly, avoid placing them near heating vents, which can create hot, dry conditions that stress these humidity-loving plants.

Fertilizing

Staghorn Ferns have modest fertilizer requirements:

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to quarter-strength
• Fertilize once a month during spring and summer (active growth period)
• Reduce to once every 2-3 months in fall
• Do not fertilize in winter when growth naturally slows
• Resume fertilizing in spring when new growth appears

Fertilizing Tips:

• Use a balanced formula (such as 10-10-10) or one specifically formulated for epiphytes or orchids
• Liquid fertilizers are easier to control and less likely to cause fertilizer burn
• Apply by misting the solution onto both the shield and antler fronds
• For mounted specimens, you can add the diluted fertilizer to your soaking water occasionally
• Organic options like fish emulsion or seaweed extract work well (though dilute them more than the package suggests)

Alternative Fertilizing Method:

• Some growers place small amounts of organic matter (banana peels, coffee grounds, or compost) behind the shield fronds
• This mimics how the plants would naturally receive nutrients in the wild
• If using this method, use very small amounts to avoid rot and pests

Staghorn Ferns are light feeders and can be sensitive to over-fertilization, which can cause frond burn, brown tips, or salt buildup. Signs of over-fertilization include brown or black spots on fronds, especially near the edges.

Under-fertilization typically manifests as smaller fronds, less vibrant coloration, and slower growth. Finding the right balance of nutrients is important for maintaining the plant's ornamental value and supporting healthy growth.

Propagation

Staghorn Ferns can be propagated through division, pups (offsets), or spores, with division being the most accessible method for home gardeners:

Division Propagation:

1. Division is best done during remounting in spring
2. Remove the plant from its mount or pot
3. Look for natural divisions in the rhizome where multiple growth points have developed
4. Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, carefully separate the clumps, ensuring each division has both shield fronds and antler fronds
5. Allow cut surfaces to callus for 24 hours
6. Mount or pot each division using the methods described in the Mounting section
7. Water thoroughly and place in bright, indirect light
8. Keep humidity high during the establishment period
9. Avoid fertilizing for at least a month after division

Pup Propagation:

1. Mature Staghorn Ferns often produce small offsets or "pups" around the base
2. Once these pups have developed their own small shield frond and at least one antler frond, they can be carefully separated
3. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut the pup away from the parent plant, ensuring it has its own portion of rhizome
4. Allow the cut to callus for 24 hours
5. Mount the pup using sphagnum moss and fishing line or wire
6. Keep the moss consistently moist and humidity high until established
7. Place in bright, indirect light

Spore Propagation: Spore propagation is rarely practiced by home gardeners due to the extremely slow growth rate and specialized conditions required. Commercial growers typically handle spore propagation of Staghorn Ferns.

Important Propagation Tips:

• The best time to propagate is during spring or early summer when growth is most active
• Maintain high humidity around new divisions or pups
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can stress new plants
• Be patient—Staghorn Ferns grow slowly, and new plants may take months to show significant growth
• Expect some stress response after division, which is normal as the plant adjusts

Division is the most reliable method for propagating Staghorn Ferns and allows you to maintain the exact characteristics of the parent plant. It's also a practical way to manage the size of mature specimens that have outgrown their display space.

Common Problems

While Staghorn Ferns are generally resilient once established, they can experience several common issues:

Brown Shield Fronds:

• Cause: Natural aging process as shield fronds mature
• Solution: No action needed—this is normal and healthy

Brown Tips on Antler Fronds:

• Cause: Low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer buildup
• Solution: Increase humidity, adjust watering schedule, and flush occasionally to remove mineral buildup

Black or Rotting Areas at Base:

• Cause: Overwatering or poor air circulation
• Solution: Reduce watering frequency, ensure proper drainage, improve air flow, and in severe cases, remove affected areas and remount

Pale, Bleached Fronds:

• Cause: Too much direct sunlight
• Solution: Move to a location with filtered, indirect light

Stunted Growth:

• Cause: Insufficient light, nutrients, or water
• Solution: Evaluate care routine and adjust as needed; ensure plant receives bright indirect light

Pests:

• Scale: Small brown bumps on fronds that don't scrape off easily
• Mealybugs: White, cotton-like clusters in crevices and on fronds
• Spider Mites: Tiny pests that cause stippling on fronds and fine webbing, particularly in dry conditions
• Solution: Increase humidity (for spider mites), wipe fronds with insecticidal soap or neem oil, isolate affected plants

Frond Deformities:

• Cause: Inconsistent watering, pest damage, or environmental stress
• Solution: Stabilize care routine and environment; new growth should develop normally

Failure to Produce New Fronds:

• Cause: Insufficient light, nutrients, or improper temperature
• Solution: Ensure proper light levels, consider light fertilization, and maintain appropriate temperature range

Most Staghorn Fern problems can be prevented with proper care focused on appropriate light, careful watering, adequate humidity, and good air circulation. Regular inspection helps catch issues early when they're easier to address.

Remember that shield fronds turning brown is a natural part of the plant's life cycle and not a sign of poor health. These fronds continue to serve their purpose of attaching the plant to its support and collecting nutrients even after they've turned brown.

Popular Varieties

The Platycerium genus includes approximately 18 species and numerous cultivars with diverse frond shapes and growth habits. Here are some of the most popular and distinctive varieties for indoor cultivation:

Platycerium bifurcatum (Common Staghorn Fern)

• The most widely available species
• Deeply forked antler fronds with a distinctive blue-green color
• Shield fronds develop a rounded, lobed shape
• Relatively easy to grow and adaptable to indoor conditions
• Native to Australia and New Guinea
• Produces numerous offsets, making it easy to propagate

Platycerium superbum (Elkhorn Fern)

• Large, impressive species with massive shield fronds
• Antler fronds can grow up to 5 feet long
• Forms a distinctive "nest" shape with upright shield fronds
• More challenging to grow indoors due to its size
• Native to Australia
• Dramatic specimen plant for those with adequate space

Platycerium grande

• Rare and highly sought-after species
• Enormous antler fronds that can reach 6 feet in length
• Distinctive growth habit with fronds that grow upward before arching
• Shield fronds form a distinctive heart shape
• Native to the Philippines
• Challenging to grow and find in cultivation

Platycerium veitchii (Silver Staghorn Fern)

• Distinctive silver-gray fronds covered in fine hairs
• More sun and drought tolerant than other species
• Compact growth habit compared to some varieties
• Native to Australia
• Unique coloration makes it stand out in collections

Platycerium hillii

• Similar to P. bifurcatum but with wider, less deeply divided fronds
• Forms large clumps with numerous offsets
• Shield fronds develop a distinctive kidney shape
• Native to Australia
• Adaptable to indoor conditions

Platycerium alcicorne (Madagascar Staghorn Fern)

• Smaller species with delicate, narrow fronds
• More upright growth habit than many other species
• Shield fronds remain relatively small
• Native to Madagascar and parts of Africa
• Good choice for smaller spaces

Platycerium wandae

• Massive species with broad, undivided antler fronds
• Fronds can reach 4 feet in length and 1 foot in width
• Shield fronds form a distinctive rounded shape
• Native to New Guinea
• Statement plant for those with adequate space

Platycerium elephantotis

• Distinctive species with thick, robust fronds
• Antler fronds are less divided than many other species
• Named for its elephant ear-like appearance
• Native to Africa
• Less commonly available but distinctive addition to collections

Platycerium coronarium

• Unique growth habit with antler fronds that grow upward
• Forms a distinctive "crown" shape
• Shield fronds develop a rounded, lobed appearance
• Native to Southeast Asia
• Challenging to grow but visually striking

Platycerium ridleyi

• Rare species with distinctive pendant growth habit
• Antler fronds hang downward rather than growing outward
• Shield fronds form a compact, rounded shape
• Native to Malaysia and Indonesia
• Requires high humidity and warm temperatures

These diverse Staghorn Fern varieties offer something for every plant enthusiast, from beginners to advanced collectors. While they share similar care requirements, the different frond forms, sizes, and growth habits create distinctly different visual effects, allowing for creative display options.

With their unique growth habit, architectural form, and ability to be displayed as living sculptures, Staghorn Ferns make fascinating additions to indoor plant collections. While they require somewhat specific care to thrive, particularly regarding mounting, watering, and humidity, their extraordinary appearance and long lifespan make them rewarding plants for those willing to meet their needs.