Staghorn fern: care, location & propagation

Staghorn ferns have certain requirements when it comes to location and care. However, they manage to turn any room into something very special thanks to their unique appearance.

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium) are becoming increasingly important when it comes to houseplants. Nevertheless, they are no ordinary potted plant. Whether hanging in a moss ball or as a unique wall decoration, we show you how to optimally cultivate and care for these exotic plants.

Staghorn fern: origin and characteristics

Staghorn ferns of the Platycerium genus belong to the Polypodiaceae family. Currently, 18 different species are known with Platycerium bifurcatum being the most commonly used houseplant species. This is also known as the antler fern, elkhorn fern or antelope ears. Staghorn ferns are native to the tropical rainforests of Australia, Malaysia, Africa and America, with some species adapted to dry habitats.

Platycerium species grow epiphytically, which means they do not root in the soil but instead grow on the surface of other plants. Close to the ground, they would have no chance of light in dense tropical forests and therefore opt for a habitat high up in the branches. However, epiphytes, also called perching plants, do not take nutrients from the bearing plant and merely use it as a support. Their diet is just as refined as their choice of habitat. The rhizome of a staghorn fern forms two different types of leaves. So-called mantle leaves grow at the base, which serve to protect the rhizome on the one hand and arch up to catch rainwater, insects, faeces or plant particles on the other. This mixture in turn serves as food. The leaves we like to think of as ornamental are the antler-like spore leaves. Unlike the mantle leaves, these are fertile. True ferns do not reproduce by seed and therefore do not form flowers. They produce so-called spores on the underside of the leaf. The fleshy, grey-green, hairy fern leaves grow up to two metres long in their natural habitat.

The most beautiful Platycerium species

Most Platycerium species are rarely found in shops and are only offered by specialised nurseries. However, they are often found in botanical gardens. We present a selection of the rare but very impressive Platycerium species.

• Platycerium bifurcatum is native to Australia, New Guinea and Java. When fully grown, the fern leaves can grow up to 90 cm long and equally as wide. The mantle leaves turn brown over time but should not be removed. The small hairs on the fern leaves protect them from drying out as well as direct and thus harmful sunlight. Common staghorn fern is often sold on a piece of bark or wood but can actually be planted in a pot provided it gets the right substrate mix. Do not place or hang this species in direct sunlight and ensure higher humidity. Platycerium bifurcatum is most commonly found in shops.

• Platycerium ridleyi is considered one of the smallest staghorn fern species. In its wild form, it is found in Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. The leaves are hairless and grow upright. The mantle leaves have a beautiful pattern. Platycerium ridleyi needs a lot of indirect light and quite a lot of water. Take care to avoid waterlogging by using pots with water drainage holes, for example. This species is very rarely found in shops.

• Platycerium superbum originates from parts of Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia. This species grows not only on trees but also on rocks and grows incredibly large. The mantle leaves can be up to 1 metre wide and the fern leaves up to 2 metres long. This species is also called staghorn fern and requires a bright location with indirect light, although light morning sun is tolerated. Root rot may occur if overwatered. Due to its size, this species is less often used as a houseplant and is also relatively expensive.

Planting staghorn fern: location, soil and more

The exotic staghorn fern has special requirements when it comes to location and care.
Opt for a bright place with indirect light. Do not place the fern in the blazing midday sun; at most, it should only be exposed to morning or evening sun. Furthermore, the humidity should be as high as possible. Therefore, bright bathrooms, greenhouse cabinets or even terrariums are suitable for the staghorn fern. The optimum room temperature is 18 to 22 °C and should not drop below 16 °C.
Under no circumstances should the staghorn fern be cultivated in a tightly closed plant container, such as closed plastic or clay pots. The roots will not get enough oxygen due to waterlogging. Use generous pots with several holes or tie the base onto a kokedama – Japanese for moss ball. We explain in our special article how to successfully cultivate plants in a kokedama.

Low-lime orchid soil or a mixture of coarse leaf mould, pieces of bark and peat is suitable as a substrate. A pH value of 5 should be maintained. Similar to planting in a kokedama, cultivation works on a piece of wood or bark. To do this, take the piece of wood and carve out a circle the diameter of the staghorn fern rhizome. Water well and put into the circle with some suitable substrate and secure with a string. Next, place fresh moss over the rhizome and tie it up. This way, the fern can be hung up as a unique wall decoration.

Propagation

Staghorn ferns rarely form new vegetation points. However, if a new shoot grows, it can be carefully cut off and replanted. The substrate mixture described or orchid soil can be used for this. Propagation of the staghorn fern via spores is very tedious and requires specialist knowledge – house ferns often do not form spores at all. Spore propagation is therefore mainly carried out by horticultural businesses.

Staghorn fern care

In order to enjoy the staghorn fern for many years, a few points should be taken into account when caring for it. Although it is very special, the staghorn fern is generally forgiving of one or two mistakes and often adapts surprisingly well to its environment.

Watering, fertilising and more

The staghorn fern’s growth phase is from spring until autumn. During this time, the exotic plant needs plenty of water. The mantle leaves make watering or spraying the root rather difficult, which is why a water bath at room temperature is ideal. Immerse the root ball in water until it is fully saturated. By the time it comes to the next water bath, the root ball may have dried out, but never completely. Water less in winter and only dip the root ball briefly into the water bath.

Note: Houseplants are often overwatered. If the staghorn fern’s leaves begin to droop, this is a sign for the next water bath. We explain how to water indoor plants properly in our special article.

If the staghorn fern has brown leaf tips, this is due to low humidity. To best imitate its natural environment, the houseplant can therefore be sprayed with soft water. However, avoid large drop formations on the leaves. It is best to finely dust the leaves in the morning.

The staghorn fern does not need to be fertilised during the low-light dormant phase in winter. However, during its growing season it should be given liquid fertiliser two to three times. Use half the generally recommended amount of fertiliser per litre of water. Our Plantura Liquid Houseplant Food consists of 100% natural and animal-free ingredients. As the fertiliser is administered via the water bath, plants quickly and easily receive key nutrients. The fertiliser water bath should be at room temperature.

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Repotting staghorn fern

Staghorn ferns should be repotted as soon as they are too big for the current plant container. This happens about every 3 to 5 years. In order not to damage the roots, they should be carefully detached from the piece of wood or plant container. In any case, only repot in spring.

Tip: Care mistakes are often not recognised right away, as ferns tend to die slowly. Therefore, follow these care tips to prevent the plant from slowly dying.

Staghorn fern has brown leaves: what to do?

Brown leaves on staghorn ferns can have various causes. Fortunately, these can be easily remedied.

• Draughts: Platycerium species are sensitive to persistent draughts. Therefore, place or hang the plant in a sheltered place.
• Water deficiency:if the root ball has dried out, this will show on the leaves. The staghorn fern should therefore be immersed in a water bath before this happens.
• Dry air: this is also indicated by a damaged leaf. The air humidity should therefore be constantly high, especially at high room temperatures. However, make sure that there are no drops on the fronds.
• Scale insects: these cause yellow leaves at first can cause the plant to die in the event of heavy infestation. Scale insects often appear in winter or spring. This is due to the suboptimal conditions – little light and mostly dry and too warm air. Moreover, these pests are often only noticed when it is too late to remove them. Nevertheless, these visible creatures should be removed by hand and the affected leaves treated with an oil preparation, for example. These are mostly organic plant protection products which, when used correctly, work well against the pests which are resistant to many other agents due to their armour.

Are staghorn ferns poisonous?

Platycerium is classified as slightly toxic. After consumption, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may occur. For pets, however, indoor ferns are not particularly appealing and are considered harmless.

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