Staghorn Fern

Staghorn Fern Care Guide

About Staghorn Fern 

The popular Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is a beautiful tropical plant found in parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Americas. It belongs to the Polypodiaceae family, and in the wild, it grows on other trees. This stunning epiphyte boasts vibrant green leaves that resemble an antler’s horns, hence the name. Plant lovers often mount it on a wooden board to create a unique wall decoration. You can also grow it in a pot or a hanging planter. 

If you live in a warm climate (hardiness zones 9-12), you can keep your Platycerium fern outdoors, year-round. Always bring it indoors if the temperatures drop below 50-55°F. 

The Staghorn Fern is suitable for households with cats and dogs, as it’s pet-friendly. , thus safe for your furry companions. The Staghorn Fern symbolizes resilience, strength, and the ability to overcome challenges.

Other stunning fern plants include the Heartleaf Fern, Boston Fern, and Maidenhair Fern.

Staghorn Fern Benefits

• Non-toxic plant, suitable for pet parents
• An ideal wall decor
• Great  air-purifying houseplant
• Tolerates low-light conditions
• Easy-to-care-for fern variety

Staghorn Fern Care: Growing Tips 

The Staghorn fern care is pretty simple, as this plant is relatively low-maintenance. Check out our tips below to ensure your plant grows vibrant and healthy.

Staghorn Fern: Light Requirements & Temperature

• Light: Place your Staghorn Fern in medium to bright filtered light; low-light conditions may slow down its growth, while full-sun exposure can damage its fronds.
• Temperature: Provide temperatures between 70°F and 80°F for optimal growth. Avoid cold drafts and temperature drops below 65°F.

Staghorn Fern: Watering & Humidity

• Watering: The Staghorn fern will feel happy in consistently moist soil, but not soggy; water your fern about once a week. 
• Humidity: Staghorn ferns thrive in high humidity (50-80%) in their natural habitat, but they can also adapt to regular indoor humidity.

Staghorn Fern: Fertilizer, Soil, and Repotting

• Soil: This fern variety requires airy, well-draining soil to stay lush and healthy; use a planter with enough drainage holes.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize your Staghorn fern monthly during the active growing season; use a balanced fertilizer.
• Repotting: Repot your Staghorn fern in the spring every 2 years. Always use fresh, well-draining potting mix.

Staghorn Fern: Propagation

If you want to expand your collection or make a gift to friends and family, you can propagate your Staghorn fern by dividing it in the spring during repotting. Ensure each section has healthy fronds and a strong root system. Plant the divisions in individual pots filled with fresh soil. Place the new Staghorn ferns in a humid spot that receives filtered light to prevent transplant shock.

Staghorn Fern Plant: Common Problems 

Common Staghorn fern problems include brown fronds due to underwatering, low humidity, or direct sunlight. Trim any damaged foliage with clean scissors to encourage fresh growth and maintain your fern’s neat shape. Watch out for insect problems, and treat them with an organic insecticide if necessary.

Staghorn Fern: Companion Plants & Placement Options

Staghorn Ferns are stunning houseplants with versatile placement options. You can display your mounted Staghorn fern on a wall in the entry hall, or hang it in a planter near the front door at the porch. If you prefer to grow it in a pot, you can group it with other exotic foliage plants or create a focal point by placing it on a coffee table.

Great to Place on

Consider mounting your Staghorn Fern on the wall, whether on a wooden board or in a hand-crafted frame. This beauty also looks amazing in a hanging basket or on a high shelf. Its easy-going nature also makes it an ideal office plant. Its love for humidity makes it suitable for any bathroom decor, too.

Staghorn Fern Plant Grows Well With 

• Mini Monstera: Together, the Mini Monstera and Staghorn Fern offer texture and depth to any larger plant-stand display.
• Peace Lily: The delicate white flowers of the popular Peace Lily contrast with the vibrant green foliage of the Staghorn Fern.
• Philodendron Florida Bronze: The Philodendron Florida Bronze is a rare beauty with gorgeous grey-green and bronze foliage.

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