Source: Wikimedia Commons
Platycerium alcicorne
BeginnerPlatycerium alcicorne
A staghorn fern from eastern Africa to Madagascar. African plants are glossy yellow-green and nearly hairless, while Madagascan plants are darker, hairier and have deeply ridged shields.
About
Platycerium alcicorne is an epiphytic fern in the family Polypodiaceae, found in Madagascar, the Comoros and south-eastern Africa, including Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It is the type species of the genus. It was once treated as a separate species under the name P. vassei, but the two are now regarded as the same. Its appearance varies markedly by origin, which a hobbyist identification guide summarises as follows. The commonly grown African form is yellow-green, waxy and nearly hairless, and its dead shield fronds turn rich brown. The Madagascan form is darker green and hairier; given enough light its shields develop deep, valley-like folds in the upper half, and dead shields turn almost black. The Madagascan form is harder to grow and scarce in collections. African plants have long, slender finger-like lobes at the ends of broad fertile fronds. The African form pups more freely and is slightly less tolerant of excess water than the Madagascan form. Both are slightly more cold sensitive than P. bifurcatum. The Australian P. bifurcatum was at one time also treated under the name P. alcicorne, so take care with older literature. In Japan it is a tough, widely grown species sold even by general garden centres.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Madagascar, the Comoros and south-eastern Africa (Mozambique, Zimbabwe and elsewhere)
Lifespan
Perennial (epiphytic fern)
Size
Little measured data exists for this species
Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Watering & Fertilizer
Little data on feeding; in the wild, leaf litter trapped by the shield fronds decomposes to supply nutrients
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Likes bright light; Madagascan plants develop deep ridges in their shields when light is ample. Watch for scorching in strong direct sun.
Watering
Water the crown regularly and let the roots dry slightly between waterings. The African form is a little less tolerant of excess water, so avoid overwatering.
Temperature & Overwintering
Slightly more cold sensitive than P. bifurcatum and not frost tolerant; bring it indoors in winter.
Soil & Repotting
Mount on a board or tree-fern slab with sphagnum moss, or pot in an orchid mix or sphagnum. The shield fronds grow over the base to cover the roots, so never peel them off.
Propagation
The African form pups freely; divide well-grown pups.
Pests & Cautions
Forms differ greatly by origin, so check whether a plant is African or Madagascan when buying. Watch for spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. The white star-shaped hairs on the fronds protect the plant, so do not rub them off.
Platycerium alcicorne FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Platycerium alcicorne?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow should I water and fertilize Platycerium alcicorne?
Platycerium alcicorne: watering & fertilizer — Little data on feeding; in the wild, leaf litter trapped by the shield fronds decomposes to supply nutrients. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Platycerium alcicorne?
The price of Platycerium alcicorne varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Not a designated invasive alien species in Japan, nor a nationally rare species under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Invasive Alien Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Complete Platycerium Mounting Guide | Seedling Selection, Sphagnum Moss, Mounting Methods & Detailed Watering Instructions
Complete guide to mounting platycerium. We walk you through seedling selection, board and materials preparation, using sphagnum moss, mounting techniques, and post-mounting watering and care—with detailed steps anyone can follow.
Why New Leaves on Foliage Plants Are Smaller — Practical Solutions for Light, Humidity, and Nutrition
We analyze the causes behind stunted growth and smaller new leaves on foliage plants. From light environment and humidity management to fertilization strategy and root health, we explain each factor based on empirical data and introduce methods to restore new leaf size.
Spider Mite and Scale Insect Control: Practical Pest Prevention
Learn to identify spider mites and scale insects on houseplants and recognize damage signs, master practical spider mite control methods, discover effective scale insect elimination techniques, create pest-resistant environments with seasonal management, understand pesticide safety precautions, and discover early detection and prevention strategies.
Root Rot Prevention and Root Zone Regeneration Management in Foliage Plants | Soil Selection, Watering, and Early Diagnosis & Recovery Techniques
Root rot is the greatest threat to foliage plants. This article covers practical knowledge from the mechanisms of root rot development to prevention, early-stage diagnosis and treatment methods, and ensuring long-term plant health through soil and watering management.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.