Elkhorn Fern Platycerium bifurcatum

Staghorn fern is an epiphyte occurring naturally in tropical areas.  An epiphyte is an organism that grows on the surface of a plant and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water (in marine environments) or from debris accumulating around it. It clings to trees using roots and is rhizomatous, the rhizomes spreading to short-creeping, often branched, and are hidden by fronds. It will continue to develop pups from these rhizomes, forming a colony of plants. It gets its common name from its leaves, they resemble the forked antlers of a stag.

There are two types of fronds, the first being infertile.  They are small leaves that cover the root crown.  The second, which are fertile, grow up to 4', though are usually only 2'-3' in cultivated environments.  They are gray-green and grow outward from the crown, covered with a grayish-white felt.

It is a commonly grown houseplant. When potting, use epiphytic or sphagnum fern mixture. Potted plants can be watered from the bottom. It can even be grown on a slab of wood or bark. Water its crown on a regular basis while allowing the roots to dry slightly between waterings, never letting the roots dry out completely.

Quick ID Hints:

• Fronds are dimorphic, shield-like, and antler-like
• Sori massed on lobes of antler-like fronds

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Black spot may occur when humidity is too high.  

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.