Source: Wikimedia Commons
Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)
BeginnerPlatycerium hillii
A staghorn fern with rounded, uncut shield fronds and broad, almost hairless dark green fertile fronds that rise at an angle. The fertile fronds fork only in the outer third, giving a broad paddle-like look.
About
Platycerium hillii, the northern elkhorn, is an epiphytic fern in the family Polypodiaceae found in north-eastern Queensland, Australia, in rainforest generally below 600 m (it also occurs in New Guinea, possibly introduced from Australia). The epithet honours Walter Hill, director of the Brisbane Botanic Garden. Flora of Australia describes it as follows. The shield fronds are rounded-reniform, 15.5-36 cm long, with an entire to slightly wavy upper margin; they press firmly against the substrate and soon turn brown. The fertile fronds are ascending, 23-90 cm or more long and up to 60 cm wide, spreading from a wedge-shaped base to a broad apex and forking 1-5 times in the outer third. The ultimate segments are oblong, 1-6 cm wide, dark green and glabrous or nearly so. Sporangia cover most of the underside of the ultimate segments. The Australian P. bifurcatum has deeply lobed shields that stay green and fertile fronds greyish beneath with stellate hairs, and P. veitchii has finger-cut shields and white fronds, whereas P. hillii is recognised by its uncut shields and glossy, broad, dark green fertile fronds. Its roots produce pups, forming colonies. Many cultivars are grown, and in Japan numerous selections are sold by specialist nurseries.
Size of the Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)
The Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii) grows to Fertile fronds 23-90 cm or more long and up to 60 cm wide; shield fronds 15.5-36 cm long.
Basic Info
Origin
Australia (north-eastern Queensland)
Lifespan
Perennial (epiphytic fern)
Size
Fertile fronds 23-90 cm or more long and up to 60 cm wide; shield fronds 15.5-36 cm long
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
Dappled light to partial shade. Indoors, give it bright light through a sheer curtain.
Watering
Water the crown regularly, letting the roots dry slightly between waterings but never completely. Soak mounted plants or water the base thoroughly.
Temperature & Overwintering
A rainforest species that dislikes cold. Bring it into a warm room 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
Roots produce pups that form colonies; divide well-grown pups.
Pests & Cautions
Named selections vary greatly in frond shape and only keep their look when propagated vegetatively from the same plant. Watch for spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. The white star-shaped hairs on the fronds protect the plant, so do not rub them off.
Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii) FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)?
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 large does Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii) get?
The mature size of Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii) is Fertile fronds 23-90 cm or more long and up to 60 cm wide; shield fronds 15.5-36 cm long. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)?
Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii): 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 Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)?
The price of Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii) 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.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES listing check)
- Ministry of the Environment: List of Invasive Alien Species
- Flora of Australia - Platycerium hillii
- Flora of Australia - Platycerium bifurcatum
- Flora of Australia - Platycerium veitchii
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox - Platycerium bifurcatum (genus cultivation basics)
- GBIF
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
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