How often should I water my staghorn fern?

Water when the moss or medium feels dry to the touch, usually every 1 to 2 weeks.

Does it need direct sunlight?

No, they prefer bright, indirect light to mimic their natural forest canopy environment.

Plant guide

Staghorn Fern.

Platycerium

Pronounced plat-ih-SEER-ee-um

Also known as elkhorn ferns, staghorn

Staghorn ferns are unique epiphytes that grow on trees in their native tropical homes. They feature two distinct types of fronds, shield fronds that protect the roots and fertile fronds that resemble antlers. These plants make stunning wall mounted displays.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Epiphytic fern
Light: Bright indirect light is best, avoid harsh direct sun.
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: Up to 1 meter wide
Growth rate: slow
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 12
Bloom time: Does not flower

Care

Mount these ferns on wood or keep them in a well draining basket to mimic their natural tree dwelling environment. Keep the root ball consistently moist but never soggy, and watch for wilting or browning tips which indicate the plant needs more humidity or water. Ensure good airflow around the fronds to prevent fungal issues.

Watering: Soak the entire root mass in water until saturated when the medium feels dry.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.
Pruning: Remove only dead or brown fronds to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its mount or basket.
Soil: Sphagnum moss or orchid bark mix
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 50 to 80%
Drought tolerance: low
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for decades with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: high

Signs it needs repotting

The plant has outgrown its mounting board.
The moss or growing medium has completely broken down.
The plant is no longer able to hold moisture effectively.

Safety

People: Platycerium species are generally considered non toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep the plant out of reach of small children to prevent them from pulling on the fronds or knocking over the container.
Contact allergens: The fuzzy scales on the fronds can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The spores produced by mature plants can occasionally trigger respiratory irritation in those with severe allergies.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should be kept away from food preparation areas.

How to identify it

Large antler shaped fertile fronds
Flat shield fronds covering roots
Fuzzy silvery coating on leaves
Epiphytic growth habit

Height: 0.3 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.3 to 1m
Leaves: green, silvery, evergreen
Flowers: 0cm

Common problems

Scale insects — These small, brown bumps attach to the fronds and suck sap, weakening the plant.
Root rot — Overwatering causes the root system to decay, often leading to yellowing fronds.

Growing it

Propagation: division, spores
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Bring the plant indoors if you live in a climate with freezing temperatures. Keep it in a bright spot and reduce watering slightly during the cooler months.
In containers: They are best grown mounted on wooden boards or in hanging baskets to allow their fronds to drape naturally.

Division

Identify a small offset or pup growing at the base of the parent plant.
Use a clean, sharp knife to carefully separate the pup with some roots attached.
Mount the pup onto a piece of wood or a small basket with damp sphagnum moss.
Keep the new plant in a humid, warm location until it establishes itself.

Group plants with similar humidity needs together to create a microclimate that keeps everyone happy.

Grows well with

Orchids — They share similar light and humidity requirements in an indoor setting.
Bromeliads — These plants also thrive in similar epiphytic conditions.

Keep away from

Succulents — Succulents require much drier conditions than the moisture loving staghorn fern.

Similar species

Bird's Nest Fern — It is another popular tropical fern that enjoys high humidity and indirect light.

Science

Family: Polypodiaceae
Genus: Platycerium
Order: Polypodiales
Class: Polypodiopsida
Native range: Tropical and temperate regions across Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America.
Conservation: Some species are threatened by habitat loss and overcollection, so always ensure your plant comes from a reputable nursery.

As epiphytes, they capture moisture and nutrients from the air and decaying organic matter trapped by their shield fronds.

Uses: indoor ornamental, living wall art, epiphytic display

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my staghorn fern?: Water when the moss or medium feels dry to the touch, usually every 1 to 2 weeks.
Does it need direct sunlight?: No, they prefer bright, indirect light to mimic their natural forest canopy environment.

Where the name comes from

The name Platycerium comes from the Greek words platys meaning broad and keras meaning horn, referring to the shape of the fertile fronds.

Good to know

They have two distinct types of fronds, sterile shield fronds and fertile antler fronds.
Staghorn ferns can live for many decades with proper care.
In the wild, they can grow to be quite massive, weighing hundreds of pounds.

Is your staghorn fern looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.