Staghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
Staghorn fern is an epiphyte with two kinds of fronds: flat, round shield fronds that cling to its support, and long, forked fronds like antlers. It is usually mounted on a board or hung in a basket.
Photo: themaskedlapwing · CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Bright indirect light, Partial sun
Watering
Moderate
Soak the mount in water for 10–15 minutes when the moss is dry, about once a week; mist in dry weather.
Soil
Sphagnum moss on a wooden board, or a coarse bark basket.
Temperature and humidity
10–35 °C · High humidity
Feeding
Add a diluted fertilizer to the soaking water monthly in summer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by division, offsets
Do not remove brown shield fronds; they protect the roots.
Staghorn fern is not toxic.
Top Cultivation Tips
Mount on a board with moss and fishing line.
Hang under a tree or on a shaded wall.
Do not wipe the fine felt off the fronds.
Remove pups to start new plants.
