Staghorn Fern

Ferns, of which there are over 10,000 species, are non-flowering perennials which offer versatile usage in home and in the landscape.

One of the most unusual ferns is the staghorn fern. The staghorn fern is an epiphyte or air plant which is normally found growing on the side of trees in its native habitat. The generic name Platycerium comes from the Greek word meaning "broad horn". These plants are grown for their attractive antler-like fronds (leaves). The plant bears 2 types of fronds; the sterile fronds which are flat, round and located at the base of the fern and the fertile fronds which are irregular, lobed and usually ascending from the plant. Spores appear as brownish masses on the tips of the antler-like fertile fronds. These spores will produce new plants when sown on moist, sterile peatmoss. However, this is a slow method of reproduction and most new plants are obtained from suckers (Pups) which develop from the mother plants.

The staghorn fern can be used to cast the spell of the tropics and add interest to a patio wall. In frostless areas, specimens thrive on palm trunks or on branches of woody trees.

The culture of the staghorn fern is not difficult except that the plants are sensitive to the lack of drainage, to low temperature, and to low humidity. These points of culture should receive special attention and a moist atmosphere and a warm temperature should be provided for the best development of the plants. Staghorns grow best in shaded areas and will not endure the Florida sun. The medium upon which they are growing should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.

These plants are usually grown on a slab of pecky cypress, redwood or tree fern. They also can be grown in hanging baskets. Unless the material to which they are attached naturally has a porous and spongy surface, a bed of spagnum moss should be placed on the wood before the plant is attached by wire or other means. The roots can grow in the moss, and this material also aids in maintaining a high humidity.

All of the many species of staghorn ferns require or grow best in a high temperature, 60-70°F or higher. However, the common staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) will tolerate a temperature of 50°F. and is best adapted for use in the low humidity conditions of the average home.

Syringing the plants periodically will help to maintain a high humidity around them. However, they should not be syringed during the winter. Syringing during the winter months will cause spotting of the leaves and often severe rotting of the crown.

The staghorn fern responds to fertilization as much as other ferns. However, since growth is slow only a small amount of fertilizer should be added at any one time and the plants fertilized only during the growing season, or summer months.


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