Staghorn Ferns

Platycerium | Staghorn Ferns

Staghorn ferns are just amazing. Since they are epiphytic, they can survive in just a rootball of soil, which makes them perfect for kokedama – wrapping roots in sheet moss and hanging from above.

Platycerium bifurcatum, or Staghorn fern (also known as Elkhorn fern), have two types of fronds – the showy fertile fronds and the shield-shaped ones at the base of the plant. Both are needed, so don’t remove the shield fronds, even when they are turning brown. It’s all part of the magic!

Kokedama

Most Popular Types

Common Staghorn – Platycerium bifurcatum, P. andinum – American Staghorn

Light

Bright, indirect light.

Temperatures

Platycerium prefers temperatures above 40°F. In colder climates, the plant can be mounted on a piece of wood or wire basket to be brought indoors when the temperature drops.

Watering

Staghorn fern is most comfortable in a humid environment with periodic watering. it is best to allow the roots to dry between waterings to avoid root rot. Adequate air circulation is important.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets.

Growth

Platycerium can reach more than 3 ft across. In the spring, it produces shield fronds, while the fertile fronds are produced in late summer. In the fall, spores layer the undersides of the long fronds in sori. 

Origin

Common Staghorn fern is native to Asia and Australia. American Staghorn is native to South America.

Propagation

Spores layer the underside of the fronds in the fall. These spores create offsets which can be separated from the parent plant.

Dormancy

Winter dormant

Preparing to Mount Staghorn Fern on Board

Preparing to Mount Staghorn Fern on Board

Preparing to Mount Staghorn Fern on Board

Staghorn fern in tropical greenhouse. Elkhorn fern in pot hanging over the glass roof in glasshouse

Staghorn fern in tropical greenhouse

Staghorn fern hanging glasshouse ceiling

spores on staghorn fern

Spores develop on the underside of fronds, causing a brown sori.

Workshops at Growing Hobby

Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.

Book A Workshop

Asplenium

Asplenium

Bird’s-Nest Fern

There are more than 700 varieties of Asplenium, or Bird’s-Nest Ferns. The simple fronds of these ferns add a simple yet cosmopolitan touch to interior decorating.

Other plants that complement Asplenium are Pteris ferns and carnivorous plants.

Asplenium Antiquum birdsnest fern

Most Popular Types

Asplenium nidus is the typical straight-leafed variety of Bird’s-Nest Fern. Asplenium antiquum Leslie is a bit frillier at the leaf edges, and Crispy Wave has interesting rippled leaves.

Light

Partial to full shade

Temperatures

Asplenium can only survive down to 50°F. Because of this, they are typically kept as house plants.

Watering

In their natural habitat, Asplenium capture water in the center of the fronds. Water shouldn’t collect in the center for long periods, though. They prefer high humidity, particularly if kept outdoors during the summer. Keep the soil of the Bird’s-Nest Fern from drying out completely. Spritzing with distilled water will encourage growth.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to animals or humans.

Growth

While they can survive as epiphytic or terrestrial, Asplenium all grow on organic matter. The fronds which resemble banana leaves can grow to 6 ft long in the rainforest. Spores develop on the underside of the fronds.

Origin

Asplenium is native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, and Hawaii.

Propagation

From seeds which develop on the underside of the fronds.

Dormancy

The active growing season for Asplenium is during the summer.

Asplenium Crispy Wave birds nest fern

Asplenium Crispy Wave birds nest fern

Asplenium Crispy Wave birds nest fern

Center of an Asplenium birds nest fern

Asplenium birds nest fern

Center of an Asplenium birds nest fern

Asplenium Antiquum birdsnest fern

Asplenium antiquum birdsnest fern

Asplenium Antiquum birdsnest fern

Workshops at Growing Hobby

Workshop schedule set for after work hours and on Sunday afternoons. We now have central heating and air to make you more comfortable while you shop and attend workshops.

Book A Workshop