Platycerium bifurcatum aka Elkhorn Fern

Platycerium bifurcatum is known as the common staghorn fern. Its other name is elkhorn fern. It stays green year-round and lives for many years. It belongs to the polypody family, Polypodiaceae. Its native range runs from Java through Australia to New Caledonia. It also grows wild on Norfolk Island. In the wild, it grows on tree trunks and branches. Trees give it support, but it does not feed on their tissues.

Garden plants reach about 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] tall and wide. RHS gives an upper size of 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Growth is slow, and plants take about ten to twenty years to mature. The plant has two distinct kinds of fronds, or leaves. Flat shield fronds cling to the growing surface. They cover the crown and catch fallen leaves. These leaves break down around the roots. The shield fronds turn brown with age. Short, creeping stems called rhizomes hide beneath them. These stems grow new plantlets.

The fertile fronds give this fern its antler-like shape. They fork into narrow lobes and arch out from the crown. Some hang down, so the plant has a cascading form. A pale, felt-like layer covers their grey-green surface. These fronds feel like leather and give the plant a coarse texture. In cultivation, they reach 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] long. Longer fronds can reach 4 feet [1.2 metres]. Brown patches of spores form beneath the frond tips. This fern has no flowers or fruit.

Grow it in warmth, with bright filtered light or partial shade. It needs a moist growing mix that drains well. Let roots dry a little between waterings, but not fully. Use orchid mix or a sphagnum-based epiphytic mix. RHS also lists a blend with leaf mould, loam and charcoal. Water more during growth and less in winter. During growth, feed it once a month with a balanced liquid fertiliser. It does well in moist air. Too much moisture in the air can bring black spot. Its UK hardiness rating is H1B. In the UK, grow it outdoors only in summer.

Grow this fern on wood mounts, in hanging baskets or in indoor pots. It also suits warm shade gardens with enough moisture. Its forked fronds make it useful as a specimen plant. It needs no pruning and has few serious disease problems. Watch for scale, spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. Deer seldom damage it. Missouri Botanical Garden lists it as resistant to rabbits. Grow new plants from spores or plantlets removed from the parent. You can also divide large plants. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses.