Staghorn Fern
Platycerium superbum
Also known as
Elkhorn fern
Balboa Park Botanical Building by Herb Neufeld (CC BY 2.0)
Partial Shade
Easy care
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
H3
RHS hardiness
-5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
Max | ||
3m | Min | 2m |
More images of Staghorn Fern
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Staghorn Fern Overview
This epiphytic fern has evergreen fronds of two types: sterile and fertile, these are both broad and branching, resembling a stag's horns. This species originates from Australia and is found near rainforest environments. Most of the fronds are fertile, grey-green, arching and can reach around 2m in length, sterile fronds will turn brown as they age. These sterile fronds are arranged in a nest structure capable of collecting leaf litter and this may reach a metre in width. This species is widely cultivated as an ornamental species for garden planting.
How to propagate Staghorn Fern
Budding
You can propagate by detaching buds in the spring or summer and planting in compost.
Spores
Spores in summer or early autumn.
Other uses of Staghorn Fern
Commonly named after stag or elkhorn antlers which the leaves closely resemble.