Download Platycerium Bifurcatum

Platycerium Bifurcatum
(Staghorn Fern)
Staghorn ferns are epiphytic in habit, which means they grow on trees and rocks like orchids.
When attached to trees they are only clinging on to the bark and not actually growing into the
tree. Their nutrients are provided by the rain water that washes debris off of the branches, and
transports it to the root area. There are 18 species recognized with many varieties and hybrids.
Staghorns are native to Philippines, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, Madagascar, Africa and
South America.
Light: Grown as a houseplant, good bright indirect light or grown outside in shade or partly
shaded conditions, no hot sun.
Water: Water thoroughly 1-2 times per week during the warm months and less often in the cooler
months. One of the biggest problems of Staghorns is over watering, if your plant still feels wet
from earlier watering, let it go for a few more days before you water again.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly in the growing season and every other month when growth slows down.
Use fish emulsion or ??????
Temperature: Staghorns are considered to be tender or semi tender plants, temperatures below
55 degrees are not tolerated well. If you are growing your plant outside, you should bring your
plant in to a warmer area at night in the winter months.
Pests: Staghorns have few pests, but an infestation can spread quickly. The pests to watch for
are mealy bug and scale.
Repotting: As mentioned earlier, Staghorns are epiphytes, this means they are grown without
soil, to repot a staghorn find a nice board such as redwood, and mount your plant to this board by
using sphagnum moss as the medium and a piece of chicken wire or other suitable material to
secure it to the board, usually fastened by staples.
Note: There are 2 types of leaves, the sterile leaves are the brown dry leaves found at the base
of the plant and the fertile leaves are green ones that look like antlers, giving the plant its name.
When new leaves form, they have protective “fuzz” which should not be disturbed; this will
disappear as the plant develops.