Platycerium superbum aka Staghorn Fern

Taxonomy

Platycerium superbum, also known as the staghorn fern, is a tender, evergreen, epiphytic fern native to Australia. This unique fern features large, upright, rounded to kidney-shaped, deeply lobed fronds in a stunning grey-green color. Its fertile fronds are long, pendent, wedge-shaped, forked, and leathery, exhibiting a vibrant bright green hue. The staghorn fern thrives in sub-tropical to tropical regions and can also be cultivated in sheltered areas of temperate climates.

Common names

Staghorn Fern

How to care for Staghorn Fern

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Staghorn Fern is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Staghorn Fern should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Staghorn Fern is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Staghorn Fern is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Staghorn Fern with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Staghorn Fern with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Staghorn Fern prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Staghorn Fern to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Staghorn Fern grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Staghorn Fern’s native range is Temperate and Tropical Southern Hemisphere.


More info:
Wikipedia