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Staghorn Fern

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Platycerium bifurcatum

KNOWN AS: Staghorn Fern, Elkhorn Fern

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Australia, Southeast Asia & Africa | Tropical & Temperate

DESCRIPTION: The Staghorn Fern is a unique and impressive plant named for its forked, antler-like fronds. As an epiphyte, it grows on other plants in its native habitat and is typically mounted on a board for indoor display. This fern is a dramatic statement piece that adds an exotic, natural feel to any space.

Staghorn Fern Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The Staghorn Fern thrives on bright, indirect light. The best location is near a north- or east-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can easily burn its fronds.

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Watering

Quick Tip: The best watering method is to soak your plant.

The Staghorn Fern should be watered when its fronds feel light and dry. To water, remove the mounted plant from the wall and soak the entire root ball in a tub of room-temperature water for 10-20 minutes. Allow the plant to drip dry before rehanging it. The frequency is typically every 1-3 weeks, depending on the season and humidity.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 80º

The Staghorn Fern prefers warm, stable temperatures. The ideal range is between 60-80°F. It is sensitive to cold and should be kept away from drafts and temperatures below 50°F.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 80%; Moderate/High Humidity

The Staghorn Fern requires high humidity to thrive. If your home's air is dry, using a humidifier or misting the plant's fronds regularly can help provide the moisture it needs.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Staghorn Ferns are propagated by division of pups. Once a small offset, or pup, has grown to a substantial size on the side of the mother plant, you can use a clean knife to carefully separate it. The new pup can be mounted to its own board using sphagnum moss.
Toxicity
The Staghorn Fern is non-toxic to humans and animals. This plant is safe for households with children and pets.
Repotting
Staghorn Ferns are epiphytes, so they do not grow in soil. They are typically mounted on a board. The roots are wrapped in sphagnum moss and attached to a piece of wood or cork bark with wire or string. Do not remove the large, brown, papery "shield fronds" that form at the base of the plant; they are a normal part of its growth and are used to absorb water and nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is a simple task to keep your Staghorn Fern looking tidy. Trim away any dead or damaged fronds that are no longer green. Use clean shears to snip off any unwanted parts.
Fertilizer
Staghorn Ferns benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength is ideal. Fertilize once a month during the spring and summer growing season. You can add the fertilizer to their soaking water.
Soil
Staghorn Ferns do not need soil. Since Staghorn Ferns are epiphytes, they get all of their nutrients and water from the air and from their mounted medium, making traditional soil unnecessary and harmful.

Hanging Heights

Staghorn Fern Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Staghorn Fern

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Staghorn Fern

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Staghorn Fern

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Staghorn Fern

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 12"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Staghorn Fern

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Soltech's Recommendation:

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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