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elkhorn ferns (Platycerium hybrid)

Platycerium is reported to be an epiphytic fern that typically grows attached to tree trunks, branches, boards, or rocks. It is reported to be a perennial, evergreen fern.

LightSources differ on light conditions, describing bright, ample light that is mainly indirect or shaded to partly shaded, with strong direct sunlight avoided; light that is too low may also weaken the plant and increase pes
WaterIt is generally watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry briefly or partly before more water is given, with more frequent watering in warm seasons and less in winter; prolonged wetness is avoided to reduce the risk of
HumidityPlatycerium is reported to prefer high humidity and to need moderate airflow.
TemperatureSources differ regarding the reported lower temperature limit, while a source also reports an upper temperature limit. Platycerium is reported to be frost tender; keep above freezing, and it is sensitive to cold but not
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Overview

Platycerium is reported to be an epiphytic fern that typically grows attached to tree trunks, branches, boards, or rocks. It is reported to be a perennial, evergreen fern.

Origin and habitat

The native range of the genus Platycerium is reported to be broad, including tropical to some subtropical or temperate parts of Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Guinea; another source describes it more generally as occurring in tropical regions worldwide. It is reported to occur mainly in epiphytic habitats, naturally growing on forest trunks and branches or on rocks, with its roots making use of accumulated surrounding organic matter. It is reported to occur mainly in warm, humid tropical to subtropical environments, with most kinds not tolerating cold or frost.

Characteristics

With few sources available, reported mature height is about 10–150 cm and mature spread about 100–100 cm. Platycerium is reported to bear sterile basal shield fronds that lie flat over the roots and can collect water and organic debris, as well as fertile fronds that often extend outward and branch or become antler-shaped, with sporangia forming on their undersides. Shield fronds are reported to be small and flat, covering the roots and adhering around the base, where they can form a nest-like structure that collects water and fallen plant debris. Fertile fronds are reported to be branched or antler-shaped and may extend outward or upward, or hang down from the rhizome.

Light

Sources differ on light conditions, describing bright, ample light that is mainly indirect or shaded to partly shaded, with strong direct sunlight avoided; light that is too low may also weaken the plant and increase pest and disease risks. Platycerium is reported to tolerate some direct sun.

Watering

It is generally watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry briefly or partly before more water is given, with more frequent watering in warm seasons and less in winter; prolonged wetness is avoided to reduce the risk of root rot. Sources differ, with a reported summer watering interval of about 2–7. The reported root-zone moisture strategy is to let the root zone dry between waterings.

Humidity and airflow

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

Temperature and dormancy

Sources differ regarding the reported lower temperature limit, while a source also reports an upper temperature limit. Platycerium is reported to be frost tender; keep above freezing, and it is sensitive to cold but not very sensitive to heat.

Growing medium and mounting

For epiphytic cultivation, Platycerium is reported to be secured with a moisture-retentive yet well-drained medium such as sphagnum moss to boards, tree-fern boards, bark, or baskets; when potted, it can use a humus-rich, well-drained medium. It is reported to grow on trees as an epiphyte and can be mounted, grown in a basket or potted.

Feeding

Sources differ on feeding practices: balanced fertilizer can be used, with the amount and frequency decreased or increased according to growth stage and season and generally reduced in winter.

Propagation

Platycerium is reported to be propagated by spores, division, or lateral offsets, with separating offsets generally 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 difficult.

Common problems

Platycerium is reported to be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids. Overwatering may lead to root rot, while insufficient water may cause brown or curled frond tips; insufficient humidity can affect growth, and strong direct light may bleach the fronds or cause mottling. Most staghorn ferns are reported to be sensitive to low temperatures and frost and require cold protection in cold regions, although cold tolerance differs among kinds.

Identification

The most distinctive reported feature is the combination of basal shield fronds and antler-shaped fertile fronds; the shield fronds protect the roots and accumulate water and organic matter, while spores form on the undersides of the fertile fronds.

Sources