Staghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
Dramatic epiphytic fern with two types of fronds — flat shield fronds that anchor it to surfaces, and large forked fertile fronds resembling antlers. Often mounted on boards and hung on walls as living art.
Best rooms for staghorn fern
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for staghorn fern
Bright indirect light — avoid direct sun. If mounted on a board, soak the root ball in water for 15-20 minutes weekly, then let it drain. If potted, water when the medium dries. Never remove the brown shield fronds at the base — they're alive and anchoring the plant. Feed monthly spring-summer by adding liquid fertiliser to the soaking water. Minimum 10°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Separate pups from the base of mature plants
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Brown shield fronds (normal lifecycle — don't remove them)
- Black spots from overwatering
- Slow growth in low light
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