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Platycerium bifurcatum - Staghorn fern

Platycerium bifurcatum
Common staghorn fern, antelope ears, Australian elk's horn fern, common stag's horn fern, elkhorn fern

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This plant carries a 30 days recovery warranty

More information

A remarkable fern, to be grown as an epiphytic houseplant, in a pot or on a wood or cork support, with a bit of sphagnum moss, to hang on a wall like a living picture. In a pot, it can join your collection of favourite plants, preferably with an ambient humidity of 50 to 70% and good light. Its fluffy, wavy and arched fronds are elongated and can reach 90 cm in length. This staghorn fern species is quite easy to grow, while other species prove more delicate to cultivate.
Watering frequency
Moderate (once a week)
Indoor exposure
Moderate light, Indirect bright light
Benefits and advantages
Graphic foliage
Benefits and advantages
Suspension
Benefits and advantages
Epiphyte

Description

Platycerium bifurcatum is a remarkable houseplant. Also known as the Staghorn Fern, it is an epiphytic fern species with arched, forked grey-green fronds. It is low-maintenance and it can be grown either in a porous, well-draining substrate or mounted on a support, such as a wall. It thrives in a bright location but without direct sunlight.

Platycerium bifurcatum belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. This compact, upright epiphytic fern is native to the humid forests of Australia and New Guinea. In the wild, it attaches itself to trees and absorbs moisture from the air. Its two distinct types of fronds—rounded, shield-like sterile fronds that form a base and elongated fertile fronds, resembling stag antlers—make it highly attractive. With a leaden green hue and a slightly fuzzy texture, they exhibit a silvery sheen. It reproduces via spores and therefore does not produce flowers. In a pot, its fronds can reach 90 cm in length and width, though it grows relatively slowly. Indoors, this plant prefers bright, indirect light, ambient humidity between 50-70%, and an ideal temperature range of 15-25°C, never below 10°C. The plant is non-toxic to pets and humans.

Platycerium bifurcatum can be placed in a small pot, displayed prominently on a stylish piece of furniture or shelf. Alternatively, it can be mounted on wood, clinging to the wall like a striking living artwork. To enhance its aesthetic, pair it with Tillandsias (other fascinating epiphytes) or complement it with any type of houseplant, such as Araceae, which also appreciate high ambient humidity.

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Platycerium bifurcatum - Staghorn fern in pictures

Platycerium bifurcatum - Staghorn fern (Foliage) Foliage
Platycerium bifurcatum - Staghorn fern (Plant habit) Plant habit

Foliage

Foliage colour green
Foliage persistence Evergreen

Plant habit

Growth habit Dressed, Hanging
Height at maturity 70 cm
Spread at maturity 70 cm
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flowering time January to December
Inflorescence Spadix

Botanical data

Genus

Platycerium

Species

bifurcatum

Family

Polypodiaceae

Other common names

Common staghorn fern, antelope ears, Australian elk's horn fern, common stag's horn fern, elkhorn fern

Origin

Australia, Oceania

Product reference24115

Location

Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching the fronds of Platycerium bifurcatum. Place it in a bright living room, bedroom, or even a sheltered conservatory. Its airy habit suits both contemporary and bohemian settings, as well as curiosity cabinets.

Location

Indoor exposure Moderate light, Indirect bright light
For which room? Office, Lounge, Bedroom, Veranda
Growth habit Dressed, Hanging
Height at maturity 70 cm
Spread at maturity 70 cm
Growth rate slow
Low temperature tolerance >15°C (greenhouse), >20°C (tropical greenhouse)
Humidity level High (60-80%), Moderate (40-60%)

Maintenance and care

Water moderately, allowing the moss or substrate to dry slightly between waterings. If the young plant is mounted on a support or bark slab: immerse the root ball in water for 10 to 15 minutes every 7 to 10 days using soft water.

Potting advice, substrates and fertilisers

Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring, when the young plant becomes pot-bound. Use a slightly larger pot.
Use a filtering substrate composed of indoor plant compost, mixed with perlite to ensure good drainage, or sphagnum moss.
Use a liquid fertiliser specially formulated for green plants (NPK 7-3-6), applied every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Stop fertilising in autumn and winter. Apply by misting or by soaking the root area.

Houseplant care

Dust the fronds occasionally with a soft brush to remove debris and improve photosynthesis.
Prune dead or damaged fronds to maintain the health and appearance of the plant. Avoid excessive pruning, as older fronds help stabilize the plant and contribute to nutrient absorption.

Disease and pest advice

If mealybugs appear, clean the stems with a cloth soaked in diluted 70% alcohol. To combat red spider mites, mist the foliage regularly to increase humidity.

Maintenance and care

Watering frequency Moderate (once a week)
Fogging 1 time a week
Type of soil Light soil, Draining soil, Orchid potting soil
Pests and diseases Mealybugs, Red spider mites, Rots
Susceptibility to diseases Medium
Ease of cultivation Amateur

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