Where can I find a staghorn fern?
Staghorn ferns belong to the genus Platycerium and are native to tropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia, where they grow on trees as epiphytes. There are perhaps 18 different species in the genus.
Where is the best place to hang a staghorn fern?
Staghorn fern plants grow best in part shade to shady locations. Because they get most of their water and nutrients from the air or fallen plant matter, they are often hung on limbs or in the crotches of trees much like they grow in their native environments.
What is the lowest temperature a staghorn fern can tolerate?
Most staghorn ferns are considered tender or semi-tender to cold and will not tolerate cold temperatures. There are exceptions, such as P. bifurcatum and P. veitchii, which can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F (–1.1°C).
How long does it take for a staghorn fern to attach to a tree?
Once the fern is tied in place, pour water over that bundle. Continue to water the plant about once a week during dry seasons, but no more than once every couple of weeks during wet ones. After about six months, it will probably have attached itself to the tree’s bark, and you can remove the fishing line.
Are staghorn ferns fast growing?
The growth rate of staghorn ferns depends on the species and the culture, but none grows very fast or becomes enormous. The most popular species, big staghorn (Platycerium bifurcatum), is said to be easiest to grow and its fronds can, over time, get to 6 feet long.
What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn ferns?
The easiest way to distinguish between the two types of fern is that elkhorns have many plants growing together in communities and they have smaller, slender fronds. Whereas staghorns tend to grow as larger individuals. The fertile fronds have brown, rusty tips underneath, which is where they produce their spores.
Are there different types of staghorn ferns?
The plants known as staghorn ferns include the 18 species in the Platycerium genus plus many hybrids and varieties of those species.
How do you transport a staghorn fern?
How to Transplant Staghorn Fern
- Soak sphagnum moss in water and drain.
- Loosen the staghorn fern gently away from its present container or mount.
- Set the staghorn fern into the basket or on top the mound of growing medium with the basal fronds touching the moss or medium as much as possible.
Will staghorn fern freeze?
Most staghorn ferns thrive in warm to hot temperatures and will start to fail at about 55 F. (13 C.). They will die at or above freezing temperatures if they don’t have adequate protection. If temperatures are likely to fall near freezing, however, overwintering staghorn ferns means bringing them indoors.
Can staghorn ferns tolerate sun?
They can tolerate more direct sunlight when humidity and temperatures are high but also require more water when in direct light. Provide staghorn ferns with warm temperatures, plentiful moisture and excellent drainage for best results. These plants do best with normal household temperatures above 55ºF.
Can you propagate a staghorn fern from a leaf?
Large platycerium can be easily divided into smaller plants, and even small “chunks” that include a leaf and a bit of root ball can be potted individually. Make sure new divisions are kept warm and moist until they are growing independently. Don’t get discouraged if newly cut divisions take a little time to root.