Staghorn Fern Varieties Are There Different Kinds Of Staghorn Ferns

Types of Staghorn Fern

Platycerium coronarium, 'Staghorn Fern', 'Crown Staghorn', 'Elkhorn Fern', 'Disc Stag's Horn Fern' ...
Platycerium alcicorne. ...
Platycerium andinum, 'American Staghorn Fern' ...
Platycerium bifurcatum. ...
Platycerium hillii, 'Stiff Staghorn', 'Green Staghorn'

How many types of staghorn ferns are there?

Staghorn ferns are unusual, exotic-looking plants that will definitely attract guests' attention, whether they're displayed in the home or outdoors in a warm-climate garden. The plants known as staghorn ferns include the 18 species in the Platycerium genus plus many hybrids and varieties of those species.

What is the difference between Elkhorn Fern and staghorn fern?

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.

How do I identify a staghorn fern?

The Staghorn Fern live on the host tree without any root visible! For roots, they have fleshy-branched rhizome covered, with its roots by the nest leaves. The blades are erect and with broad lamina. The basal part of leaves is thick and fleshy.

Are staghorn ferns rare?

It's a fact: staghorn ferns are stunning. ... There are dozens of species of staghorn ferns, and until recently, they were quite rare. Now though--thanks to species native to Australia, Platycerium bifurcatum, that is relatively easy to care for and propagate--they're increasingly popular house plants.

How do you get rid of staghorn fern pups?

Wait until the pup is at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across. Find the spot under the brown shield fronds where the pup is attached and, with a sharp knife, cut the pup away with some roots attached. You can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern.

Can staghorn ferns tolerate sun?

They can tolerate more direct sunlight when humidity and temperatures are high but also require more water when in direct light. Provide staghorn ferns with warm temperatures, plentiful moisture and excellent drainage for best results. These plants do best with normal household temperatures above 55ºF.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?

Up-to-date gardeners know that California's low rainfall and alkaline soil are tough on acid-loving plants. Coffee grounds act as a mulch and soil improver. ... A few staghorn owners even advocate using the entire banana, placing it into the paper-like platycerium that supports the main plant.

Are banana peels good for staghorn ferns?

ANSWER: Banana peels can contribute lots of potassium and a little phosphorus to the nutrient needs of your staghorn fern. But they contain very little nitrogen, which also is needed for good growth. So go ahead, toss a few banana peels among the foliage to slowly release their nutrients.

How long do staghorn ferns take to grow?

Naturally grown as epiphytes, staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) harmlessly cling to tree branches as they hang downward in the canopy's shade. These bushy evergreens grow slowly, up to 4 feet tall and wide over a period of 10 to 20 years.

Do you have to mount a staghorn fern?

Much like air plants, stags are a tropical species called epiphytes that grow on trees or other plants. Learning to mount your staghorn is less of an elective and more of an imperative in plant care in order to provide optimum conditions for its growth.

What is wrong with my staghorn fern?

Staghorn ferns are fairly pest free. When kept too wet, they are susceptible to a disease called Rhizoctonia sp. This fungus produces black spots on the basal fronds which can spread rapidly, invade the growing point, and kill the plant. If symptoms appear, withhold water and reduce the humidity to slow the spread.

Can staghorn ferns grow in soil?

This is a good question since staghorns generally don't naturally grow in soil. The key to growing staghorn ferns in baskets or pots is to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible. But, yes, they can grow in pots.

How much is a staghorn fern worth?

Originally attached to an oak tree as a small plant, this amazing fern has grown to over 6 feet in diameter, almost 4 feet tall and 3 feet deep. It is in great health and is in need of a home where it will be loved and appreciated. Similar ferns have sold for over $6,000.00.

Are staghorn ferns easy to grow?

Growing staghorn ferns is easy. If they get low to medium light and moderate moisture, they will thrive. In fact, whether grown indoors or outside, provide moderate moisture and a humus rich medium when growing staghorn ferns. ... Staghorn ferns are usually grown mounted on a piece of wood or in a basket.

Are staghorn ferns poisonous to cats?

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp) which are non-toxic to both cat and dog pets, are easy to grow if you provide them the right living conditions. Typically, these unique plants will be found mounted on a wall or draping from a hanging basket.

How do you save a dying staghorn fern?

It is normal for a few fronds to die and be replaced from time to time, but the fern is in need of water if a significant number of its fronds begin to die. It may be possible to save the plant by placing its root ball in water for several minutes, allowing the roots to rehydrate.

How do you secure a staghorn fern?

An easy example of how to mount a staghorn fern is to use a wire basket and the side of a tree. Secure the basket to the tree, with nails, for instance. Fill the bowl of the basket with the growing material. Position the fern inside this and secure it to the wire basket with ties.

Which way do you hang a staghorn fern?

A simple way to hang your fern from a board:

Decide which position of the plant will be the top.
Gently remove some of the soil from the root ball of the plant to create a flat base; keep more soil on the lower edge of the root ball so the plant will end up facing upward.

How cold hardy are staghorn ferns?

Most staghorn ferns are considered tender or semi-tender to cold and will not tolerate cold temperatures. There are exceptions, such as P. bifurcatum and P. veitchii, which can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F (–1.1°C).

How do you plant a staghorn fern in a basket?

Place your plant in the basket and gently bring the leaves of your plant through the edges of the basket. This allows the plant to grow out the side of the basket. Carefully pull some of the fronds through so the staghorn fern can grow in its natural upright position. Add more sphagnum moss on top of the roots.