Platycerium bifurcatum in 12cm pot.

£16.50

Platycerium bifurcatum, commonly known as the Staghorn Fern, is a striking epiphytic fern native to Australia and parts of Southeast Asia. Its antler-like fronds and unique mounting style make it a standout among houseplants, especially for those looking for a dramatic, sculptural look in their plant collection.

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🌿 Platycerium bifurcatum – Description

Common Names: Staghorn Fern, Elkhorn Fern

Family: Polypodiaceae

Origin: Australia, New Guinea, Southeast Asia

Type: Epiphytic fern (grows on trees, not in soil)

Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, slow to moderate growth

🌱 Fronds:

Two types of fronds:

Shield fronds: Rounded, flat, sterile fronds that cover the root base and help anchor the plant to its support. These turn brown over time — this is normal and part of the plant’s health.

Fertile fronds: Long, forked, antler-shaped fronds that grow outward and may develop brown spores on the undersides (also normal).

Fronds can grow up to 2–3 feet long under ideal conditions.

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🪴 Platycerium bifurcatum Care Guide

🌞 Light:

Bright, indirect light is best.

Can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid hot midday sun (can scorch fronds).

In low light, growth slows and fronds may become leggy.

🌡️ Temperature:

Ideal range: 60–80°F (16–27°C)

Avoid temps below 50°F (10°C)

Protect from cold drafts or dry air near heaters.

🌫️ Humidity:

Loves high humidity (60–80%), but adapts well to typical indoor conditions if watered properly.

Mist regularly if air is dry, especially in winter or if mounted.

💧 Watering:

Mounted plants:

Soak the entire mount in water for 10–20 minutes once a week (more in hot weather).

Let dry completely before re-watering.

Potted in loose medium:

Water thoroughly when the top feels dry — about every 7–10 days.

Use rainwater or distilled water if your tap water is hard (sensitive to salts).

Avoid water pooling in the crown — can cause rot.

🪨 Mounting or Potting:

Best mounted on wood boards, driftwood, or hanging plaques using sphagnum moss and wire/string.

Can also grow in a hanging basket with very well-draining mix:

Sphagnum moss + orchid bark or coconut husk chips.

Never use regular potting soil — too dense and retains too much moisture.

🌼 Fertilizer:

Use a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (¼ strength) every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer.

Alternatively, use slow-release pellets tucked under the shield fronds.

Do not overfeed — can cause burnt fronds or salt buildup.

✂️ Pruning:

Remove only dead or completely brown fronds.

Do not cut green shield fronds — even if they turn brown, they are still functional.

Spores on fronds are natural — not pests or disease.

🔁 Propagation:

By pups/offshoots that grow at the base of the plant.

Gently separate and remount or pot when large enough (4+ inches across).

Can also grow from spores, but this is slow and advanced.

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⚠️ Common Issues

Problem Cause Solution

Brown spots on fronds Normal spores (if symmetrical), or sunburn Avoid direct sun; check for pests if irregular

Fronds drooping/yellow Overwatering or underwatering Adjust watering frequency

Crispy brown frond tips Low humidity Increase humidity, mist regularly

Moldy base or shield rot Overwatering, poor air circulation Allow to dry out more, increase airflow

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✅ Tips for Success

Mounted staghorns make great living wall art — rotate regularly for even growth.

Don’t remove browning shield fronds — they’re protecting the roots.

Mist around the base and fronds, not just the leaves.

Use gentle handling — fronds are fragile and prone to damage.

---

Platycerium bifurcatum is not just a plant — it’s a living sculpture. With proper care, it can thrive indoors for decades, becoming a large and impressive showpiece. Great for bathrooms, bright kitchens, or anywhere with light and moisture.

Platycerium bifurcatum, commonly known as the Staghorn Fern, is a striking epiphytic fern native to Australia and parts of Southeast Asia. Its antler-like fronds and unique mounting style make it a standout among houseplants, especially for those looking for a dramatic, sculptural look in their plant collection.

---

🌿 Platycerium bifurcatum – Description

Common Names: Staghorn Fern, Elkhorn Fern

Family: Polypodiaceae

Origin: Australia, New Guinea, Southeast Asia

Type: Epiphytic fern (grows on trees, not in soil)

Growth Habit: Upright, spreading, slow to moderate growth

🌱 Fronds:

Two types of fronds:

Shield fronds: Rounded, flat, sterile fronds that cover the root base and help anchor the plant to its support. These turn brown over time — this is normal and part of the plant’s health.

Fertile fronds: Long, forked, antler-shaped fronds that grow outward and may develop brown spores on the undersides (also normal).

Fronds can grow up to 2–3 feet long under ideal conditions.

---

🪴 Platycerium bifurcatum Care Guide

🌞 Light:

Bright, indirect light is best.

Can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid hot midday sun (can scorch fronds).

In low light, growth slows and fronds may become leggy.

🌡️ Temperature:

Ideal range: 60–80°F (16–27°C)

Avoid temps below 50°F (10°C)

Protect from cold drafts or dry air near heaters.

🌫️ Humidity:

Loves high humidity (60–80%), but adapts well to typical indoor conditions if watered properly.

Mist regularly if air is dry, especially in winter or if mounted.

💧 Watering:

Mounted plants:

Soak the entire mount in water for 10–20 minutes once a week (more in hot weather).

Let dry completely before re-watering.

Potted in loose medium:

Water thoroughly when the top feels dry — about every 7–10 days.

Use rainwater or distilled water if your tap water is hard (sensitive to salts).

Avoid water pooling in the crown — can cause rot.

🪨 Mounting or Potting:

Best mounted on wood boards, driftwood, or hanging plaques using sphagnum moss and wire/string.

Can also grow in a hanging basket with very well-draining mix:

Sphagnum moss + orchid bark or coconut husk chips.

Never use regular potting soil — too dense and retains too much moisture.

🌼 Fertilizer:

Use a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (¼ strength) every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer.

Alternatively, use slow-release pellets tucked under the shield fronds.

Do not overfeed — can cause burnt fronds or salt buildup.

✂️ Pruning:

Remove only dead or completely brown fronds.

Do not cut green shield fronds — even if they turn brown, they are still functional.

Spores on fronds are natural — not pests or disease.

🔁 Propagation:

By pups/offshoots that grow at the base of the plant.

Gently separate and remount or pot when large enough (4+ inches across).

Can also grow from spores, but this is slow and advanced.

---

⚠️ Common Issues

Problem Cause Solution

Brown spots on fronds Normal spores (if symmetrical), or sunburn Avoid direct sun; check for pests if irregular

Fronds drooping/yellow Overwatering or underwatering Adjust watering frequency

Crispy brown frond tips Low humidity Increase humidity, mist regularly

Moldy base or shield rot Overwatering, poor air circulation Allow to dry out more, increase airflow

---

✅ Tips for Success

Mounted staghorns make great living wall art — rotate regularly for even growth.

Don’t remove browning shield fronds — they’re protecting the roots.

Mist around the base and fronds, not just the leaves.

Use gentle handling — fronds are fragile and prone to damage.

---

Platycerium bifurcatum is not just a plant — it’s a living sculpture. With proper care, it can thrive indoors for decades, becoming a large and impressive showpiece. Great for bathrooms, bright kitchens, or anywhere with light and moisture.