Staghorn Fern — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Platycerium bifurcatum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 30–60 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 180–365 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 91.4–152.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 9–12 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Mount on sphagnum-covered boards or plant in hanging baskets in bright indirect light; staghorn fern (elkhorn fern) is one of the most dramatic and sculptural of all ferns — an epiphytic Australian native that produces two distinct frond types: flat, sterile 'shield fronds' that clasp the mounting surface and accumulate organic matter for nutrition, and large, upward-spreading, branched, antler-like 'fertile fronds' that give the plant its extraordinary architectural quality, resembling the antlers of a stag or elk. Plants are mounted on wooden boards, cork slabs, or tree trunks covered with moist sphagnum moss and hung on shaded walls, fences, or tree trunks to create a remarkable living-sculpture effect. Watering consists of soaking the entire root mass weekly (or more frequently in hot weather), then allowing to drain. In zones 9–12 they grow outdoors on trees and fences; elsewhere they are striking houseplants. Offsets (pups) that form around the base can be removed and separately mounted for propagation. Long-lived and can grow to enormous size over decades.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · platycerium-bifurcatum
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0