‹ All plantsStaghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
FernsMood Meter: Needs a Little Love
Also called: Elkhorn Fern
Epiphytic fern with rounded shield fronds at the base and branching antler-like fertile fronds.
Growth habit: epiphytic mounted.
Plant Mood Meter: Needs a Little Love
Its epiphytic growth habit is easy to misread; it needs an airy mount/root zone rather than standard dense potting conditions.
Care guide
Bright indirect light. Direct sun: Gentle filtered direct light can be tolerated.
Soak/water the root and shield-frond zone thoroughly, then allow substantial aeration before watering again.
Epiphytic mount, bark, sphagnum, or similarly airy root environment.
Moderate humidity is helpful.
Often mounted vertically; its shield fronds naturally anchor it.
Problems Planticist can help with UnderwateringOverwatering / poor aerationRoot rot / impaired rootsExcess light / sun scorchInsufficient light (etiolation)Normal lower-leaf senescenceLow-humidity stressPest damageFertilizer / mineral salt buildup
