About
Platycerium bifurcatum, the common staghorn fern, is an evergreen, epiphytic fern with heart-shaped, sterile, nest-forming fronds and grey-green, arching, fertile fronds to 90 cm or more, forked into strap-shaped segments bearing brown spore patches beneath the tips. A dramatic and popular fern for a warm, humid, shaded greenhouse, conservatory or indoor position.
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.
Plant details
Suggested usesShade gardens, woodland, containers.
Care notes
CultivationPlant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.
PruningRemove old fronds in spring.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.