Staghorn Fern - Platycerium Bifurcatum
| English name: |
| Staghorn Fern, Rainforest Fern, Antelope Ears, Vegan Antlers |
| Latin name: |
| Platycerium Bifurcatum |
| About me: |
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My unusual upper leaves resemble stag's horns, hence one of my names! My lower drooping fronds often have an unusual disk that catches insects for nutrients. I will often show you when I need watering by starting to droop and at this point my pot will also feel very light. |
| Origin: |
| Somentimes I get called ‘rainforest ferns’ and I am a native from the tropical and temperate areas of Australia, South America, Africa, South East Asia and New Guinea. |
| Water: |
| Never ever leave me sitting in water and please let my soil dry between watering. I must have a well draining soil. |
| Temperature: |
| I like normal room temperatures between 16-23 degrees C. Please don't leave me in temperatures below 10 degrees C! |
| Height/Growth: |
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I can grow huge in the right conditions, eventually encircling whatever i am grown on.
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| Feed: |
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You can feed me a dilute fertiliser between Spring through to Autumn. |
| Grooming: |
| Not really required. At my base you will find shield fronds (also called basal fronds) that go brown with age - please don’t be tempted to remove these… they are an integral part of me! |
| Care: |
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The most common cause of rot and losing leaves is overwatering. If I get black spots on the guard leaves, the can spread rapidly and kill me. This is a fungus called rhizoctonia so please use a fungicide or let me dry out completely and water moderately until the spots disappear.
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| Toxicity: |
| I am safe for children and pets. |
FAQ's about Platycerium Bifurcatum common problems:
- Scorched foliage/ pale leaves: Your plant is getting too much direct light; move to somewhere more shaded.
- Spots/patches on leaves: There are potentially a few reasons here; if the spots are brown and soft the likely cause is over-watering. Lighter coloured patches can signal shock from cold water; tepid (room temperature) water is always best.
- Brown edges on fronds: A number of issues can manifest themselves in this way on your staghorn fern. The most common issue is dry air; if your houseplant is near a heat source, air conditioner or draught. Inconsistent watering is another potential problem.
- New fronds are small: If the fern fronds are continuously small, your plant might not be getting enough light/humidity. Move to a brighter spot.
- Pests: Platycerium bifurcatum are not often prone to pests, but incorrect care and lack of humidity are the main cause of them appearing. Scale is the most common here, or mealy bugs, both of which can sometimes appear on the underside of the fronds. Wipe away using rubbing alcohol and a small brush.
- Plant collapse: This is often caused by root rot as a result of prolonged overwatering, especially in winter.