Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Staghorn fern is a fern with antler-like green leaves and round leaves that cover the roots. It grows on trees without taking their nutrients and is widely grown indoors in the United States. It is also called elkhorn fern.

Appearance

Appearance: Green fronds fork into antler-like tips. Flat shield fronds hug the mount, collect fallen plant matter, and turn brown with age.
Growth form: It is an : it uses a tree or another support to perch, without taking food from the host.

Look-alikes

Superb staghorn fernPlatycerium superbum

A mature superb staghorn usually makes one large upright nest of shield fronds and does not produce side pups. This species commonly develops several crowns and can form a cluster.

Why they get mixed upBoth have shield fronds and hanging, forked fronds.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: houseplants
mounted garden plants
warm Florida landscapes
Range: It comes from eastern Australia and nearby Pacific islands. In the United States it is grown indoors widely and outdoors in warm places such as Florida; it has also become established in Hawaii.
Preferred conditions: It prefers dappled light, warmth, and a growing surface that drains well.

Life cycle

Reproduction: Brown patches form on the undersides of fertile frond tips. Small side plants can also grow into a colony.

Growing it

Care: It can grow on bark, wood, or in a hanging basket. In Florida, protect it from frost and keep the mount from staying soggy.

Name and classification

About the name: Willinckii may be treated as a of staghorn fern or as a separate species, Platycerium willinckii.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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