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Plants › Staghorn ferns

elkhorn ferns (Platycerium desvauxii)

Platycerium is reported to be a perennial epiphytic fern that commonly grows on tree trunks and branches and can also grow on rocks.

LightSources describe light requirements differently, but bright indirect light or partial shade is described for cultivation; light that is too weak should be avoided, while strong direct light may bleach or mottle the frond
WaterIt is reported that the medium should be allowed to dry briefly or partially after watering before watering again, with greater water needs in warm seasons and less in winter; prolonged excessive moisture should be avoid
HumidityPlatycerium is generally reported to prefer high humidity and to need moderate airflow.
TemperatureSources describe the lower temperature limit differently. An upper temperature limit is reported, without a confirmed numerical value here. Platycerium is generally reported to be frost tender and should be kept above fr
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elkhorn ferns illustration

Overview

Platycerium is reported to be a perennial epiphytic fern that commonly grows on tree trunks and branches and can also grow on rocks.

Origin and habitat

Platycerium is reported to be native to Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Guinea, and other Pacific regions, mainly in the tropics, with some sources also including subtropical or temperate regions. It is reported to grow mainly on forest tree trunks or branches, obtaining nutrients from accumulated organic debris, and can also grow on rocks. Its environments are reported to be mainly warm and humid, from tropical to subtropical, and most species have relatively low cold tolerance.

Characteristics

Sources are few and report a mature height of about 10–150 cm and a mature spread of about 100–100 cm. Platycerium is reported to have sterile shield fronds at the base that cover the roots and collect water and organic debris, while fertile fronds are often forked like antlers and bear sporangia on their undersides; in some species, the fertile fronds may instead be fan-shaped or elephant-ear-shaped. The small, flat shield fronds are reported to cover and protect the roots while collecting water and fallen plant debris into a nest-like structure. Fertile fronds are reported to branch in a forked or antler-like pattern and extend outward, upward, or downward from the rhizome, with sporangia on the underside.

Light

Sources describe light requirements differently, but bright indirect light or partial shade is described for cultivation; light that is too weak should be avoided, while strong direct light may bleach or mottle the fronds. Platycerium is reported not to tolerate direct sun.

Watering

It is reported that the medium should be allowed to dry briefly or partially after watering before watering again, with greater water needs in warm seasons and less in winter; prolonged excessive moisture should be avoided because it can cause root rot. Sources differ, with the available source indicating a summer watering interval of about 2–3 days. Sources are few and report a winter watering interval of about 7–7 days. The root zone is generally kept slightly dry.

Humidity and airflow

Platycerium is generally reported to prefer high humidity and to need moderate airflow.

Temperature and dormancy

Sources describe the lower temperature limit differently. An upper temperature limit is reported, without a confirmed numerical value here. Platycerium is generally reported to be frost tender and should be kept above freezing; it is also reported to be sensitive to cold and not very sensitive to heat.

Growing medium and mounting

For pot culture, a humus-rich, well-drained medium such as peat or sphagnum moss combined with drainage material is reported to be suitable; mounted or epiphytic cultivation can use a medium such as sphagnum moss that provides both moisture retention and drainage. Platycerium is reported to grow on trees as an epiphyte and to suit mounting on a board.

Feeding

Sources differ on feeding practices; a balanced fertilizer can be used, feeding frequency during growth varies with cultivation method and plant maturity, and feeding is usually reduced in winter.

Propagation

Platycerium is reported to be propagated from spores, while types that form offsets or young plants can also be propagated by division or by removing the young plants; propagation from young plants is usually easier in home cultivation. It is reported to often produce offsets. Spores are reported to form in sporangia or brown patches on the undersides of fertile fronds and may germinate naturally under suitable conditions, although propagation from spores is slow and more difficult.

Common problems

Scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids are reported as possible pests. Anthracnose may occur, and overwatering may lead to root rot. Overwatering can cause root rot, insufficient water may cause frond tips to brown or curl, weak light may increase pest and disease risks, and strong direct light may bleach or mottle the fronds. Most species are reported to be sensitive to low temperatures and frost; frost protection or moving plants indoors is advised in cold regions, and cold tolerance varies among species.

Identification

Platycerium is reported to be distinguished by sterile shield fronds that cover the base together with fertile fronds that extend outward, branch, and often resemble antlers.

Sources