There are 18 species of staghorn ferns in the genus Platycerium, which are epiphytic ferns from the polypod family (Polypodiaceae). They are mostly native to Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia, and their leaves are said to look like the forked antlers of male deer or elk.
Most of the time, “staghorn fern” and “elkhorn fern” mean the same thing. However, elkhorn ferns are used for plants with thinner fronds.
P. bifurcatum is the species that is grown as an ornamental plant the most, probably because it is the easiest to care for. It comes from the rainforests of Java, New Guinea, and southeastern Australia. It does best when the temperature stays above 40°F all year, so it can only be grown in very mild climates (zones 9 and up) or as a houseplant that can be moved outside in the summer. It has naturalized in Florida and Hawaii, where it is considered an invasive species on the islands. Staghorn fern makes a great ornamental adornment for a wall indoors or seasonally outdoors in the Midwest. This species was given the Royal Horticulture Society’s Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
A mature P. bifurcatum can be as big as 3 feet across. The plant grows from short rhizomes that produce two types of fronds. The sterile (not reproducing) basal fronds are the shield-shaped, overlapping, clasping, rounded to heart-shaped parts at the base of the fern. They are also sometimes called the back plates. Initially dull green and succulent, they become papery tan to cinnamon-brown with age. They are pressed flat against the tree to protect the rhizome and tufted roots that grow from it and to gather dead matter that can feed the plant. The brighter green, forked, strap-shaped parts that most people would call “leaves” growing up from the base are the fertile (reproductive) or foliar fronds. These irregularly lobed, arching fronds grow up to 18 inches long. Each frond branches into two or three segments a number of times along its length. In sporangia, which are the dark brownish bumps (sori) on the underside of the tips of these fertile fronds, spores are made. Each plant is actually a bunch of offsets, also known as suckers or pups, squished together. These offsets will keep growing new plantlets as the rhizomes spread out and make new sterile fronds.
All species of staghorn fern make both basal and foliar fronds, but the fertile fronds of different species are very different in length, width, and number of divisions. The fertile fronds may be erect or drooping. Other species have basal fronds that stand up straight to make a “nest” to catch falling organic matter. The shield made by the overlapping basal fronds can be round or kidney-shaped. And some species are solitary (don’t produce offsets).
As epiphytes, staghorn ferns do not grow in soil, but attach to trees when growing in nature. Small plants can be grown in containers with a rich and very well-drained medium. When grown indoors, staghorn ferns are usually grown on wooden boards or bark slabs, in wire baskets, or on other supports that allow for good drainage and make it easier to care for the plants than a living tree. They also look better this way than in a container. An area for plants to grow is provided, usually sphagnum or peat moss, so that the roots that grow from the basal fronds can go. To hold the fern in place until it is well established, monofilament fishing line, wire, plastic mesh, or other materials are wrapped over and through the dead, brown shield-shaped basal fronds. These should not be wrapped over the soft, green fronds, as they will be severely damaged or killed. As new basal fronds grow on top of the old ones, they will hide the material that holds them together.
These tropical plants need good air circulation, bright indirect light, warm temperatures, moderate humidity and consistent moisture. Staghorn ferns soak up water through both their leaves and roots, so make sure to soak the fronds at the base and the middle ones. Allow some drying of the growing medium in between waterings; staghorn ferns rot easily if overwatered. Rainwater is best if it is available. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant so can withstand fairly long periods without water. More moisture is needed when growing in summer and less in cold weather. When humidity and temperature are high, they can handle more direct sunlight, but when they’re in direct light, they need more water.
These plants do best with normal household temperatures above 55ºF. If you grow staghorn ferns indoors, you can move them outside for the growing season once the nights stay consistently cold (40ºF). This will help them get used to the brighter light outside. Even though staghorn fern can survive temperatures as low as 20ºF for a short time, it is best to bring plants inside before the nights get too cold (40ºF). During the warmer months, plants can be fertilized once a month with balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer pellets put in the growing medium. Providing sufficient humidity can be a challenge indoors and may require frequent misting when ambient humidity is low. If there is enough light and air flow, a bathroom is a great place because of the humidity from the shower. Staghorn fern has few pests but may become infested with scale insects or mealybugs. The shield-shaped tan or brown basal fronds shouldn’t be cut off until they fall off naturally; they help hold the plant in place and protect it. Do not try to remove the small, furry, whitish scales that give the fertile fronds a dusty look; these scales help the plant’s water loss. Withered fertile fronds can be pruned off.
Like all ferns, these plants go through two stages that come after each other: the diploid sphorophyte, which is what we call a fern, and the haploid gametophyte. The adult plants make spores, which turn into the gametophyte, a small body in the shape of a heart or kidney that is green, only one cell thick, and doesn’t have any roots, stems, or leaves. It has both male and female sex organs but is hard to see because it is green and only one cell thick. These develop at different times to increase the chance of cross-fertilization. Flagellate sperm are released and swim to eggs that are made in flask-shaped structures on other gametophytes. Once fertilized, a zygote is formed, which grows into a new sporophyte. The spores can be used to make more staghorn ferns, but that takes a long time. Instead, they are usually spread by cutting off small pups with a sharp knife and making sure that each piece has both fertile and sterile fronds and roots. New divisions should be kept warm and moist until established, which may take a long time. For plant collectors, specialty growers offer a number of other species of staghorn ferns, many of which are much harder to grow than P. bifurcatum).
Staghorn ferns are some of the most unique and beautiful houseplants you can grow. With their antler-like fronds, they make a striking statement in any indoor garden.
There are around 18 different staghorn fern varieties to choose from, each with their own interesting features. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular staghorn fern types and provide growing tips and pictures to help you identify them.
1. Platycerium Bifurcatum (Common Staghorn Fern)
The Platycerium Bifurcatum is probably the most well-known and widely available staghorn fern variety. It’s sometimes called the common staghorn fern or elkhorn fern.
This variety has two types of fronds – the basal fronds which cling to the substrate, and the erect fertile fronds which can grow quite large, up to 3 feet long! The fertile fronds are a deep green and forked at the ends, resembling antlers.
Platycerium Bifurcatum thrives in bright indirect light and high humidity. Water thoroughly once a week allowing the growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings.
![Platycerium Bifurcatum][]
Photo by Wendy Cutler via Flickr
2. Platycerium Grande (Grand Staghorn Fern)
As the name suggests, Platycerium Grande is one of the largest staghorn fern species. Its huge sterile fronds can reach an impressive 4 feet long!
This variety has also been called the giant staghorn fern. It’s native to parts of Asia and Australia. The fertile fronds of this species are branched and deeply divided at the tips.
Provide bright filtered sunlight for your P. Grande and water 1-2 times per week to keep the soil lightly moist. Humidity is key for healthy growth.![Platycerium Grande][]
Photo by Kristine Paulus via Flickr
3. Platycerium Veitchii (Veitch’s Staghorn Fern)
Platycerium Veitchii is another large staghorn variety, named after the Veitch Nursery who first introduced it. This species has broad triangular fronds that can reach 18 inches across.
The basal fronds form a cascading rosette shape. The tips of the antler-like fertile fronds are deeply forked, giving rise to another common name – the forked staghorn fern.
Grow Veitch’s staghorn fern in indoor hanging baskets or mounted on planks. Keep the growing medium moist but not wet.![Veitch’s Staghorn Fern][]
Photo by Kristine Paulus via Flickr
4. Platycerium Hillii (Hill’s Staghorn Fern)
Platycerium Hillii is a stunning staghorn variety from Australia and New Guinea. It has broad paddle-shaped sterile fronds and long erect fertile fronds that can reach 18-24 inches in length.
The basal fronds are a fuzzy brown color, while the green fertile fronds are deeply divided at the tips. Platycerium Hillii grows well mounted on wood or tree fern fiber boards.
Provide bright filtered sunlight and water 1-2 times weekly. Mist frequently to boost humidity around your Hill’s staghorn fern.![Hill’s Staghorn Fern][]
Photo by Kristine Paulus via Flickr
5. Platycerium Superbum (Superb Staghorn Fern)
One of the most unique looking staghorn ferns is Platycerium Superbum. It has gigantic furry sterile fronds that can span 6 feet or more across! The deep green fertile fronds are long and slender with pointed tips.
Platycerium Superbum is best suited to outdoor growing or a very large bright indoor space. Provide partial shade, high humidity, and frequent watering for this impressive staghorn variety.![Superb Staghorn Fern][]
Photo by Kristine Paulus via Flickr
6. Platycerium Stemaria (Stemaria Staghorn Fern)
The charming Platycerium Stemaria has small, nearly circular fronds that grow in a stacked formation resembling a stem. The fronds are a fresh light green color.
This compact staghorn fern species reaches just 8-12 inches tall and wide. It does well in terrariums or mounted on driftwood. Provide bright filtered light and humidity. Allow to dry slightly between waterings.![Stemaria Staghorn Fern][]
Photo by Kristine Paulus via Flickr
7. Platycerium Andinum (Andean Staghorn Fern)
Hailing from South America, Platycerium Andinum is an exotic looking staghorn fern with slender arching fronds. The sterile basal fronds are pendant shaped while the erect fertile fronds can reach 18 inches long.
This staghorn variety has a tendency to form plantlets or small baby plants along the margins of the fronds, allowing it to readily self-propagate. Grow in a well-drained mix in bright indirect light.![Andean Staghorn Fern][]
Photo by Kristine Paulus via Flickr
8. Platycerium Ridleyi (Ridley’s Staghorn Fern)
Platycerium Ridleyi is a unique staghorn fern with interesting bluish-green coloring on the deeply divided fronds. The sterile rosette grows close to the surface while the erect fertile fronds can reach 15 inches in height.
This variety is native to parts of Asia and is fairly compact, reaching just 12 inches across when fully grown. Ridley’s staghorn fern thrives in indoor terrariums or can be mounted on wood or bark.![Ridley’s Staghorn Fern][]
Photo by Kristine Paulus via Flickr
9. Platycerium Elephantotis (Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern)
Just like its name suggests, Platycerium Elephantotis has massive fronds shaped like elephant ears! The leathery sterile fronds can reach 3 feet long by 1 foot wide and have a fuzzy texture.
This variety is native to Madagascar. The erect fertile fronds of P. Elephantotis also grow quite large. Provide very bright filtered light near a humidifier or mist frequently for best results.![Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern][]
Photo by Kristine Paulus via Flickr
10. Platycerium Holttumii (Holttum’s Staghorn Fern)
Platycerium Holttumii is a rare staghorn fern species found growing naturally in parts of Malaysia. It has a very full, dense rosette of sterile fronds that can reach 2-3 feet wide.
The bright green fertile fronds are erect and deeply divided into slender lobes or fingers. Grow this staghorn variety on bark or tree fern mounts and provide bright indirect sunlight and high humidity.![Holttum’s Staghorn Fern][]
Photo by Kristine Paulus via Flickr
11. Platycerium Madagascariense (Madagascar Staghorn Fern)
As you may have guessed, Platycerium Madagascariense comes from the island of Madagascar. It has huge arching fronds that look almost prehistoric!
The sterile basal fronds can reach 3 feet long, while the deeply forked fertile fronds grow upwards of 2 feet tall. Madagascar staghorn ferns need very bright light to thrive indoors./staghorn_fern-93189537-58ed2be95f9b58f11945ac59.jpg)
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FAQ
How many different types of staghorn ferns are there?
What is the most sought after Platycerium?
What is the difference between an elkhorn and a staghorn?
How long does it take for a staghorn fern to get big?
How many types of staghorn ferns are there?
STAGHORN FERN: All You Need To Know About Growing, Care, Propagation and Hanging Them. Did you know that staghorn ferns can thrive for decades with the right care, transforming your space into a lush oasis? There are also 18 different varieties of Platycerium, or staghorn fern. Tradescantia Nanouk Care | Houseplant of the Year!
Where can I buy a staghorn fern?
Each species of staghorn fern has its own unique aesthetic and care requirements, but all share the characteristic antler-shaped fronds and epiphytic growing habit. You can purchase this plant at our Esty shop. Happy Growing!
Are staghorn ferns big or small?
P. hillii (stiff or green staghorn fern): This is another smaller species, with very broad bright green fronds 2 to 3 feet long. P. andinum (American or Blake staghorn fern): Despite the common name, this native of the Amazon has 5-foot-long fronds that are much narrower than other species.
What is a crown staghorn fern?
The Platycerium coronarium, also known as the Crown Staghorn Fern, is an epiphytic fern that hails from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. This staghorn fern species is one of the most unique staghorn fern types because it has a crown-like appearance that sets it apart from other staghorn fern varieties.
What is an African staghorn fern?
The African Staghorn Fern, or Platycerium alcicorne, is a beautiful species of staghorn fern that is native to Africa and Madagascar. This type of staghorn fern can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, with long antler-like fronds that give it its distinctive “stag horn” appearance.
How do staghorn ferns grow?
Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants or objects without any soil, while terrestrial plants grow in soil. This means that this staghorn fern variety can be grown in various ways and environments. Like other types of staghorn ferns, the Platycerium stemaria prefers bright light but not direct sunlight.