How do I water a Staghorn Fern?

Water thoroughly by soaking the growing medium or misting the fronds. Allow it to dry slightly between waterings.

What kind of light do they need?

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.

How can I mount a Staghorn Fern?

Mount them on a piece of wood or a plaque using sphagnum moss and fishing line or wire.

Why are my Staghorn Fern fronds turning yellow?

Yellowing fronds can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light.

Do Staghorn Ferns need fertilizer?

Yes, a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, applied during the growing season, is beneficial.

Plant guide

Staghorn Fern.

Platycerium bifurcatum

Pronounced plat-ih-SEER-ee-um by-FUR-kay-tum

Also known as Elkhorn Fern, Staghorn fern, common staghorn fern

Staghorn ferns are epiphytic wonders, meaning they grow on other plants in their native habitats. They have two types of fronds: the flat, shield-like basal fronds that attach to a surface, and the dramatic, antler-like fertile fronds that hang down. They bring a wild, tropical vibe to any space.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Fern
Light: Bright, indirect light
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely flowers indoors

Care

Mount these ferns on a board or in a basket, as they don't like traditional pots. Water thoroughly when the growing medium is dry, and mist regularly to maintain humidity. Avoid letting them sit in water, which can cause root rot.

Watering: Water thoroughly when the potting medium feels dry to the touch; allow excess water to drain completely.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 30 days during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune only to remove dead or damaged fronds; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting: These ferns are often mounted rather than repotted; repot only when the plant outgrows its mount or medium breaks down.
Soil: Well-draining, airy mix (e.g., orchid bark, sphagnum moss)
Temperature: 16 to 27°C
Humidity: 60 to 80%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for many decades.
Deer and rabbits: high

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing significantly over the mounting board.
The plant appears to be drying out much faster than usual.
The shield fronds are no longer adhering well to the mounting surface.

Safety

People: This plant is not considered toxic to humans if ingested.
Children: While not toxic, the fronds can be brittle and may break easily, posing a minor choking hazard if small pieces are ingested.
Contact allergens: The spores can cause mild irritation for sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: No significant respiratory allergens are associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Two distinct frond types
Shield fronds are round and flat
Antler fronds are lobed and hanging
Spore patches on underside of fertile fronds
Epiphytic growth habit

Height: 0.3 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.9m
Leaves: green, evergreen

Common problems

Brown Tips — Brown tips on fronds are often caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or mineral buildup from tap water.
Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony pests that feed on plant sap, often found in leaf axils.
Root Rot — Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to mushy, dark roots.

Growing it

Propagation: division, spores
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Overwintering: Indoors, maintain consistent humidity and avoid cold drafts. Water sparingly if growth slows significantly in cooler temperatures.
In containers: Excellent for mounting on plaques or wood, but not typically grown in traditional pots.

Spores

Collect ripe spores from the underside of fertile fronds.
Sow spores on a sterile, moist propagation medium in a closed container.
Maintain high humidity and indirect light; germination can take months to years.
Transplant tiny seedlings carefully once they are large enough to handle.

Offsets (pups)

Gently separate small offsets (pups) that form at the base of the parent plant.
Ensure the offset has some roots attached.
Mount the offset on a small piece of bark or a suitable substrate.
Keep the new plant consistently moist and humid until established.

When mounting Staghorn Ferns with other epiphytes, ensure adequate air circulation around all plants to prevent fungal issues.

Grows well with

Bird's Nest Fern — Both thrive in similar humid, low-light conditions and can be mounted together for a lush, tropical display.
Orchids (epiphytic) — Many epiphytic orchids share the same habitat and care requirements, creating a beautiful, naturalistic display when mounted together.
Bromeliads (epiphytic) — These plants also grow well mounted and appreciate similar humidity and light levels, complementing the Staghorn Fern's texture.

Keep away from

Direct Sunlight — Intense direct sun will scorch and damage the delicate fronds, causing browning and tissue death.
Overwatering — Constantly wet conditions can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, which are detrimental to the plant's health.
Dry Air — Low humidity can cause the frond tips to dry out and turn brown, impacting the plant's appearance and vigor.

Similar species

Elkhorn Fern — Similar in growth habit and epiphytic nature, but 'grande' has larger, more dramatic fronds and different spore patterns.
P. superbum — Another large-leafed species with deeply lobed fertile fronds, it shares the epiphytic lifestyle but has a distinct appearance.
P. andinum — This species has unique, upright shield fronds and drooping fertile fronds, differing significantly in form.

Science

Family: Polypodiaceae
Genus: Platycerium
Order: Polypodiales
Class: Polypodiopsida
Native range: Eastern Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea.
Conservation: This species is not currently listed as endangered or threatened.

In its native habitat, it grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches, collecting moisture and nutrients from the air and rain.

Uses: Ornamental houseplant, Air plant display

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How do I water a Staghorn Fern?: Water thoroughly by soaking the growing medium or misting the fronds. Allow it to dry slightly between waterings.
What kind of light do they need?: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the fronds.
How can I mount a Staghorn Fern?: Mount them on a piece of wood or a plaque using sphagnum moss and fishing line or wire.
Why are my Staghorn Fern fronds turning yellow?: Yellowing fronds can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light.
Do Staghorn Ferns need fertilizer?: Yes, a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, applied during the growing season, is beneficial.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Platycerium' comes from Greek words meaning 'broad horn,' referring to the shape of its fronds. 'Bifurcatum' is Latin for 'forked,' describing the characteristic split at the end of its fertile fronds.

Good to know

It's native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea.
The 'bifurcatum' in its scientific name refers to the forked tips of its fertile fronds.
It has two types of fronds: sterile, shield-like fronds that anchor the plant and fertile, antler-like fronds that produce spores.
They can live for many, many years when given the right conditions.

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.

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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.