How do you grow Platycerium Bifurcatum?
bifurcatum growing on tree outdoors in a tropical climate. These tropical plants need good air circulation, bright indirect light, warm temperatures, moderate humidity and consistent moisture. Staghorn ferns absorb water through their fronds as well as the roots so be sure to soak the basal fronds and the medium.
How did the staghorn fern get its name?
Native to Australia. The staghorn fern gets its name from its leaves (called fronds) because they resemble that of a deer. These plants can be a bit intimidating, they can grow to be 3 feet wide, but they are truly a beautiful living work of art.
Are staghorns native to Australia?
Staghorn Fern. Known as the Staghorn fern Platycerium superbum is native to lowland rainforests in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Assigned to the Polypodiaceae family, Platycerium is one of 11 genera of this family represented in Australia.
Are elkhorns native to Australia?
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.
How do you take care of a Platycerium?
Platycerium bifurcatum – Common Staghorn Fern Care & Info Guide
- Light. Platycerium bifurcatum prefers bright, indirect light.
- Watering. Due to the hard shield leaves covering the root ball, it is best to water from below.
- Temperature. The Common Staghorn Fern thrives in normal household temperatures: between 16-24°C.
How do you care for elkhorn ferns?
Elkhorn Fern Plant Care They do need regular watering, especially in dry conditions. A good soaking once a week during warm weather is needed, hold back a bit in cooler weather. Ensure that the plant is not allowed to dry out and keep moist.
Why are staghorn ferns so expensive?
Why is Staghorn Fern so expensive? Staghorn fern is a rare plant species and they require optimal amounts of care for good growth. They are big beautiful plants but you need to take care of their growth requirements like favourable temperature, humidity and fertilizers during the growth period.
Is staghorn fern poisonous?
Staghorn Fern They are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, and they are easy to grow if you provide the right living conditions.
Do Staghorns have pups?
Staghorn fern pups are little plantlets that grow off of the parent plant. In nature these pups will eventually grow into new, whole plants. The pups will be attached underneath the brown, dry shield fronds of the plant.
What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn?
The difference between these two plants is the elkhorn (Platycerium bifurcatum) has thinner, wispier leaves and multiple “eyes” or rosettes of foliage whereas the staghorn (Platycerium superbum – pronounced with the emphasis on the middle syllable) has a single eye and larger leaves.
What is the difference between staghorns and elkhorns?
The easiest way to distinguish between the two types of fern is that elkhorns have many plants growing together in communities and they have smaller, slender fronds. Whereas staghorns tend to grow as larger individuals. These plants grow equally well on tree branches, fallen logs and rocks.
What kind of soil do staghorn ferns need?
Fill the basket (or a regular pot) about half-full with a loose, well-drained, porous potting mixture: preferably something like shredded pine bark, sphagnum moss or a similar medium. You can use up to one-third regular potting mix, but never use garden soil.