Staghorn fern

Staghorn fern Platycerium wallichii

What is the plant

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) have an out-of-this world appearance. The plants have two types of leaves, one of which resembles the horns of a large herbivore. The plants grow outdoors in warm season locations and indoors elsewhere.

There are 19 different species of staghorn fern (Platycerium alcicorne) – which in addition to common staghorn fern, go by a number of other common names that include elkhorn fern and antelope ears. Each one has the antler-like foliage as well as a flat basal leaf. The flat leaves are infertile and turn brown and papery with age. They overlap onto a mounting surface and provide stability for the fern. The foliar fronds may droop or be erect, depending upon the variety of fern. Staghorn ferns produce spores as reproductive organs, which are borne on the on the edges of the lobed antler type fronds. They do not get flowers and they are generally not rooted in soil.

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Lighting

Part Sun

Hardiness zone

9b - 11

Difficulty

Easy

Water
Whenever the surface of the soil is dry, you should water your fern plants again. Don't let their soil dry out completely.
Sunlight
Needs a bright, indirect sunlight.
Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilizers, you want to avoid over-fertilizing (just like an overdose of vitamins isn't great for us, either). Less is more, so it’s important to follow what the package says for application amounts.

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Soil
Use a potting mix, which makes it safer for plants because it doesn't contain pathogens such as fungus or other diseases.
Pruning
Trim off any dead leaves and stems.
Temperature
During the winter, plants should not be exposed to temperatures below 55°F.

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Container
Pot should provide ample drainage and room for growth.
Additional
All ferns love moisture and should be given humid conditions. In living rooms and family rooms, stand their pots on trays of damp pebbles or clay granules. Ferns also love being misted at regular intervals with tepid, soft water unless the humidity of the whole room is kept high through the use of a humidifier.
Popularity
1,069 people already have this plant 239 people have added this plant to their wishlists