Platycerium bifurcatum - Staghorn Fern

One of the most interesting ferns available. This fern is often seen mounted to wood and displayed like a taxidermy stag head.

Platycerium bifurcatum                   

plat-ee-SIR-ee-um by-fur-KAY-tum

Common Names: Common Staghorn Fern, Elkhorn Fern

Family: Polypodiaceae

Origin: Southeast Asia, Australia, Polynesia 

Growth: Clumping

Light: Bright, indirect

Foot Candles: 100 - 175

Water: Keep evenly moist

Humidity: 50% - 75%

Temperature: 18°C - 28°C

Soil: Peat-based potting soil 

Container: Self-watering, mounted on wood

Nutrients: Not required  

Propagation: Spore, tissue culture, or division of rhizome

Interiorscape Use: Living wall, mounted art

Common Pests: Mealybugs, Aphids, Spider Mites, Thrips.

Common Issues: Root rot when sitting in water. Leaves brown when over-watered, leaves droop and drop if under-watered, leaves crisp with too much light. 

Comments: This interesting plant is not your average household fern. Featuring antler-like fronds has prompted collectors to display the fern in different ways, the most common being to mount it to a piece of wood like a plaque to imitate a taxidermy stag head. This fern naturally grows attached to wood, making this both an ideal place to grow and an appealing method to display. The ‘basal’ leaf helps  the plant to attach itself to trees and retain moisture.  

Toxicity: Safe.