About this product
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Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum), an epiphytic fern native to tropical rainforests of Australia and Southeast Asia, grows anchored to trees rather than rooted in soil. It belongs to the Polypodiaceae family and thrives in the humid, dappled light of forest canopies.
Two distinct frond types grow from the same plant: flat, rounded shield fronds that press against the mounting surface, and forked, antler-shaped fertile fronds that project outward and can reach two feet long. The fertile fronds are grey-green and covered in fine, silvery fuzz. New growth emerges pale and soft before firming up over time.
Staghorn Fern does not flower. Instead, it produces spores on the underside tips of its fertile fronds, appearing as brown, powdery patches. It naturally humidifies the air around it and purifies indoor air by filtering formaldehyde and other toxins.
Hang it from a wall-mounted hook or display it on a wooden board, as it trails outward and needs space to extend its fronds freely. Move it outside in summer and bring it back in before temperatures drop in autumn. It is pet friendly and safe around cats and dogs. Keep it away from south-facing windows, where the fronds can scorch, and rotate it periodically so all sides receive even light exposure.
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Staghorn Fern grows best in bright indirect light, such as near an east or north-facing window.
It needs watering every one to two weeks, allowing the mount or medium to dry out between sessions.
Staghorn Fern grows best mounted on wood or in a coarse mix of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite.
It prefers temperatures between 60°F and 80°F and is sensitive to cold drafts from air conditioning or heating vents.
Staghorn Fern is a slow-growing plant; feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month in spring and summer.
It is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 12, tolerating temperatures no lower than 25°F to 30°F. It grows outdoors year-round in Florida, Hawaii, California, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, and Georgia. It also does well outdoors in parts of South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Nevada where winters stay mild.
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Q: Is Staghorn Fern safe for cats and dogs?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic and pet friendly for both cats and dogs.
Q: How do I know when it needs water?
A: Staghorn Fern wilts slightly and the fronds go limp when it is dry and ready to be watered.
Q: Can Staghorn Fern grow in an office with artificial light?
A: It can grow under bright office LED lighting, though growth will be slower than near a natural window.
Q: How should I mount or pot it?
A: Staghorn Fern does best mounted on a wooden board or in a hanging basket filled with sphagnum moss and bark, with a hook to support its weight.
Q: Does Staghorn Fern need high humidity?
A: Yes, it needs high humidity to stay healthy. Placing it near a kitchen or bathroom helps, and a pebble tray with water underneath can also raise the moisture level around it.
Q: How big does it get?
A: Staghorn Fern can spread two to three feet wide at maturity, with fertile fronds reaching up to two feet long indoors.
Description supplied by Succulents Box through its current Shopify listing. Product, performance, and health claims are the seller’s and have not been independently verified by StorkScout.
