How big can a staghorn fern get?

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 (non-reproductive) basal fronds are the rounded to heart-shaped, overlapping, clasping, shield-like structures at the base of the fern (sometimes called the back plates).

How quickly do staghorn ferns grow?

Staghorn fern are slow-growing, growing around 4 feet in 10-20 years.

How long does a staghorn fern live?

Answer and Explanation: One of the oldest-living staghorn ferns is said to be 90 years old. When properly cared for, staghorn ferns can thrive for many generations with minimum maintenance.

How much is a large staghorn fern worth?

Large staghorn ferns cost about $100. On the other hand, fully matured staghorn ferns older than 25 years cost between $500 and $1000.

Do staghorn ferns multiply?

Staghorn fern can be propagated from the spores but because that is such a slow process they generally are propagated by division, carefully cutting off small pups with a sharp knife, making sure each piece has some fertile and sterile fronds and roots.

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium Bifurcatum) Growing Tips

What is so special about a staghorn fern?

Uniquely, the Staghorn Fern doesn't even require soil to grow at all -- in fact, it requires stable support to reach its mature stage, and absorbs most of its nutrients from the air rather than its soil.

How do I make my staghorn fern happy?

Staghorn ferns need bright, indirect or diffused light to thrive, though most species must be protected from the harsh rays of the direct sun. We tell people to put staghorn ferns in the brightest space in their home where, again, the plant will not take direct sun.

Should I wipe the leaves of my staghorn fern?

The shield frond helps anchor the plant in place and will also help protect the delicate root ball moist and trap water. Secondly, the white, dust-like material on the fronds is not actually dust and should not be wiped off. It helps the plant to conserve moisture as well as provide protection from strong sunlight.

Do staghorn ferns like to be wet?

The staghorn fern is a typical jungle plant that does appreciate plenty of humidity. If your home has very dry air it might not be happy in there. Try placing the plant in one of the more humid areas of the house, like the bathroom, or run a humidifier to keep the moisture levels up.

Do staghorn ferns need to be hung?

Benefits Of Mounting A Staghorn Fern

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum, aka Elkhorn Fern) are epiphytes. That means that they attach themselves to trees and other things in their native habitat. So mounting them on a log, a tree, or a board rather than putting them in a pot is the most natural way to grow them.

Does staghorn fern like full sun?

Staghorn Ferns are epiphytic and tropical, thus requiring more light. Keep a Staghorn fern in bright, indirect light as direct sun is too harsh for the plant and can cause burns.

Can staghorn ferns stay in pots?

Staghorn ferns can grow in pots, but they should not be planted in mineral soil. Instead, use a well-draining planting medium made primarily of organic matter. A 50/50 mixture of orchid bark and cactus potting mix is appropriate.

Where is the best place to put a staghorn?

Now you're ready to hang your staghorn! Stags thrive in bright, indirect light and require a combination of misting and watering to mimic their natural habitat. Hang your mounted plant in a bright room away from harsh rays and water about once a week.

How do you grow a giant staghorn fern?

Staghorn ferns are easy to grow; they like bright, indirect light and good drainage. Avoid placing them in direct sun. These ferns grow well in shady spots outdoors during the warm season. When temperatures start dipping below 60 degrees, bring them indoors for the cool season.

Where do staghorns grow best?

The spectacular staghorn fern is an epiphyte or 'air plant', which grows without soil. Native to Australian rainforests, the staghorn Platycerium superbum and closely related elkhorn Platycerium bifurcatum will grow just about anywhere in filtered light with protection from winds.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn?

Banana skins, coffee grounds and tea bags are excellent slow release fertilizers that you can place behind your Staghorn or Elkhorn plants.

Is Epsom salt good for staghorn ferns?

And they can lose these substances over time through watering. Epsom salt to the rescue! Epsom salt has minerals perfect for fern growth and fern care.

Do banana peels help staghorn ferns?

Using banana fertilizer for staghorn ferns is an easy way to maintain your plant's health while reducing kitchen waste. Depending on the size of your fern, feed it with up to four banana peels a month to provide potassium plus smaller amounts of phosphorus and micronutrients.

What is the best food for staghorn ferns?

A: You can use organic fertilizers such as diluted fish emulsion, applied every two to three weeks in spring and summer, if ferns are in containers, or monthly if grown in the garden. Kelp also is good. Or you can use small amounts of a balanced fertilizer such as an 8-8-8.

How do you winterize a staghorn fern?

Growing Staghorn Ferns in Winter

Keep the plant in a spot that receives bright but indirect light, and water less frequently than you did during the growing season, only once every few weeks. Did you find this helpful?

Can staghorn fern survive winter?

Staghorn fern flourishes in warm, humid climates and should be protected from cold conditons. It's generally considered a tender plant; most species can't tolerate temperatures below 55°F. However, Platycerium bifurcatum and Platycerium veitchii can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F.

What do you put behind a staghorn fern?

There are various materials that you can use as a staghorn fern mount: a tree outside, a piece of wood, a wire basket, or fern fiber on the side of a tree. Even the side of a rock or the side of your house or garage will do for mounting your fern.

Do staghorn ferns get flowers?

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.