Common Staghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum (formerly Platycerium alcicorne) (POLYPODIACEAE)
Planting and Growing Common Staghorn Fern
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow common staghorn fern in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Foliage and spores of common staghorn fern
- Growing conditions for common staghorn fern
- When and where to plant common staghorn fern
- How to plant common staghorn fern
- How to shape, prune and control growth of common staghorn fern
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of common staghorn fern
- Landscape uses of common staghorn fern
- Pest and disease control for common staghorn fern
Growing Common Staghorn Fern
Many cultivars and horticultural varieties of slow-growing, spreading or trailing, epiphytic, rhizomatous, evergreen ferns, to 3 ft. (90 cm) tall and wide, with inconspicuous, green becoming brown, rounded, sterile leaves, to 12 in. (30 cm) wide, and long, green, elkhorn- or moose-antler-shaped, divided and segmented, fertile leaves, to 3 ft. (90 cm) long, on short, hairy, basal stalks.
Common Staghorn Fern Planting Guide
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 8–11. Semi-hardy. Best in moist, subtropical gardens.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist leaf mold mixed with Osmondia fiber, finely sifted sphagnum moss, and charcoal, with plant supported by wire on bark, cork, or weathered wood. Fertility: Rich. 6.0–7.0 pH.
Where and How to Plant
Open to partial shade. Space 18 in. (45 cm) apart.
Proper Care
Moderate. Keep evenly moist. Mist occasionally. Fertilize monthly with liquid fertilizer diluted to one-half its package-recommended strength. Propagate by spores, suckers.
About This Species
Good choice for hanging on lath, landscape trees, or walls in natural, shade, tropical, woodland gardens or water feature shorelines. Good as houseplant. Pest and disease resistant.
Warning:
Sphagnum moss may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Wear gloves and protective clothing when mixing or handling potting mix containing sphagnum.