Platycerium bifurcatum (Staghorn Fern) Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Propagation, Problems

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Platycerium bifurcatum also called Staghorn Ferns, Antelope Ears Ferns or Elkhorn Ferns are unique fern plants and bear large, spectacular fronds which are usually divided at their ends into antler-like lobes, hence the common names.

The fronds are of two types; those at the base are heart-shaped and sterile while those above are long, arching, forked and strap-shaped, grey-green and spore-forming.

The genus name is derived from the Greek word platys meaning flat and ceras meaning horn. The species name bifurcatum means bifurcated or forked. Both names refer to the fertile fronds.

Botanical name: Platycerium bifurcatum
Synonmy: Platycerium alcicorne
Family: Polypodiaceae
Common names: Staghorn Fern, Elkhorn Fern, Antelope Ears

Origin

Platycerium bifurcatum is native to Java, New Guinea and eastern Australia where it grows as an epiphyte in the rainforests.

Size

Elkhorn Fern grows to a height of about 3 feet with a spread of about 2.5 feet. The heart-shaped sterile fronds are about 5-18 inches long while the strap-shaped fertile fronds grow to about 2.5 feet long.

Varieties

Staghorn ferns are a group of about 18 species in the genus Platycerium of the polypod family (Polypodiaceae) which are native to Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia. Ferns in this genus are widely known as Staghorn or Elkhorn Ferns due to their uniquely shaped fronds.

Are Platycerium bifurcatum toxic?

No. Platycerium bifurcatum are non-toxic to humans and pets according to ASPCA. Staghorn Ferns are safe for cats, dogs and other pets.

Where to Buy

Staghorn Ferns are spectacular plants for your collection, you may acquire them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

How to Care for Platycerium bifurcatum Indoors

To care for Staghorn Ferns indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 16-24⁰C, humidity of 50-60% and moderately moist, rich, free-draining orchids potting mix coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Platycerium bifurcatum requires repotting only when it becomes overcrowded in its current pot. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

How to grow a mounted Staghorn Fern

Staghorn Fern is fun to grow while mounted on a suitable surface or in a hanging basket and is one of the best plants for a living room where it will be a great conversation starter.

Platycerium bifurcatum are epiphytes which grow mounted on trees. The best way to grow Staghorn Ferns is by mounting them on wood, log or any suitable material or in a basket.

Remove the Fern from its pot and cover the rootball with moist sphagnum moss. Attach the covered rootball to wood, log, cork or in a basket with plastic covered wire.

Potting Medium

Staghorn Fern can also be grown in loose, orchids potting medium in an ordinary pot. An Orchids potting mix is chunky and loose enough and does not getting soggy which minimizes rotting.

Light Requirements

Staghorn Fern grows best in bright indirect light (filtered light). Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can scorch the fronds. If the natural light is not adequate, use full spectrum grow lights to supplement it.

How to Water Staghorn Fern

For optimum growth of Elkhorn Fern, maintain the medium moderately moist; water when the fronds begin to wilt and the medium feels dry to the touch.

Reduce watering in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the medium to dry out completely to prevent wilting, drooping, yellowing and brown leaf tips and edges.

Use water that is at room temperature to avoid cold shock which can result in stunted growth. Only water with chlorine-free water to prevent staining and browning.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the medium from getting too wet as it can lead to rotting.

Temperature & Humidity

Platycerium bifurcatum flourishes in a warmth of 16-24⁰C. Keep it away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, windy doors and windows to avoid sudden changes in temperature to prevent stunted growth, yellowing and drooping.

Staghorn Fern requires a humidity of 50-60% to thrive. Mist around the fern regularly especially if the air is too dry or set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity. Maintain good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed Staghorn Fern with abalanced, liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing period. Withhold feeding in the cold season to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is reduced at this time.

Repotting

If growing the Staghorn Fern in an ordinary pot, repot the fern at the beginning of the growing season if overcrowded in its current pot.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is loose and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy to avoid rotting. Check out these ceramic pots on Amazon.

Platycerium bifurcatum Propagation

Staghorn Fern propagation is done at the beginning of the growing season, from from spores or from the pups growing around the mother plant.

How to propagate Staghorn Fern from pups

1. Carefully seperate the pup from the mother plant by cutting with a sharp sterile knife.


2. Wrap the pup in moist sphagnum moss and tie it to a piece of wood or log with plastic-covered wire. Begin normal routine care for the fern.

How to propagate Staghorn Fern from spores

Spores are brown dots on the underside of the antler-like fronds. When they ripen, the cases open and tiny dust-like spores fall out.

1. Cut the frond and place it on a piece of paper with spores side down.


2. Allow time for the spores to fall out of the cases onto the piece of paper.


3. The spores can also be obtained by shaking the frond occasionally.


4. Thinly spread the spores on moist medium and cover the set up with clear polythene to maintain humidity and warmth.


5. Place the set up in a brightly lit area and maintain the medium moist through out by watering from the bottom.


6. The spores should sprout in about 3-6 months.


7. Allow at least 3-4 true leaves to develop before transplanting the new ferns after which you can begin routine care.

Platycerium bifurcatum Problems & Solutions

Staghorn Fern problems are wilting, yellowing, curled leaves, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Wilting fronds

Wilting fronds on Platycerium bifurcatum is an indication of underwatering. Water the fern thoroughly and it should recover immediately. Thereafter, maintain the potting medium moist at all times and do not let it dry out completely.

Yellowing fronds

Yellowing fronds on Staghorn Fern are caused by soggy soil. Use a pot that has a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.

Curled leaves and brown leaf edges

Curled leaves and brown leaf edges on Platycerium bifurcatum are caused by too dry air. Mist around the fern regularly use a cool mist humidifier or set the pot on a wet pebble tray to elevate humidity.

Brown dots or lines on the underside of fronds

Brown dots or lines on the underside of fronds are spores which can be used to propagate new Staghorn Ferns. They indicate that the frond is mature and healthy. In their natural environment, these spores drop to the soil and grow into new ferns.

Brown shells scattered on fronds

Brown shells scattered on the fronds on Platycerium bifurcatum are an indication of a scale insects infestation. Isolate the affected fern to avoid spread to other plants and treat it appropriately to get rid of the pests (see below).

Pests

Common pests of Staghorn Fern are scale insects and mealybugs. Isolate the affected fern to avoid spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil as recommended by the manufacturer.

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