About
Platycerium hillii, the northern elkhorn fern, is an epiphytic fern producing the characteristic heart-shaped sterile fronds and boldly forked, grey-green fertile fronds of the genus. A dramatic and ornamental fern for a warm, humid, shaded greenhouse or conservatory.
About the genus
Platycerium, the staghorn or elkhorn ferns, are evergreen, epiphytic ferns with short rhizomes and two distinct frond types: rounded or heart-shaped, nest-forming sterile fronds and pendent, grey-green, repeatedly forked fertile fronds bearing brown spore patches. Dramatic foliage plants for warm, humid, shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Ferns
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants
Native toAsia Polynesia Australia
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow epiphytically in equal parts leaf mould, coarse peat, sphagnum moss, loam and charcoal in bright filtered light. When in growth water freely in high humidity and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Can be grown outdoors epiphytically. See Epiphytic Ferns for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationSow spores when ripe or detach plantlets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free