Source: Wikimedia Commons
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)
IntermediatePlatycerium superbum
A large staghorn fern with shield fronds over 60 cm across and long, pendulous fertile fronds usually in pairs. Spores form in a single large patch at the first fork.
About
Platycerium superbum is a large epiphytic fern in the family Polypodiaceae, native to rainforest and wet forest from eastern Queensland to north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. Flora of Australia describes it as follows. It is solitary, with roots that do not produce pups. The shield fronds are rounded-reniform in the lower part, 60 cm or more across, and densely covered in fawn stellate hairs; their upper part is fan-shaped and irregularly divided into elongated, forked, spreading lobes. The fertile fronds are usually paired and pendulous, 30-200 cm long and forked up to five times. The sporangia form a single patch 10-50 cm wide on the underside, bulging into the sinus of the first fork. Its closest look-alike is the Philippine P. grande, once considered the same species. The spore patches separate them: P. superbum has one patch per fork, while P. grande carries two equal patches on each divided lobe. Neither species produces pups, so both are propagated from spores. In the wild one plant can grow about 1 m across. In Japan, identification versus P. grande is a frequent topic, and spore-grown plants are sold by specialist nurseries.
Size of the Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)
The Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) grows to Shield fronds 60 cm or more across; fertile fronds 30-200 cm; plants about 1 m wide.
Basic Info
Origin
Eastern Australia (eastern Queensland to north-eastern New South Wales)
Lifespan
Perennial (epiphytic fern)
Size
Shield fronds 60 cm or more across; fertile fronds 30-200 cm; plants about 1 m wide
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. It becomes large, so hang it where the fertile fronds have room to hang down.
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 tropical to subtropical forest species. Keep it frost-free indoors or in a greenhouse 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
It produces no pups, so it cannot be divided; propagation is from spores.
Pests & Cautions
Plants sold as P. grande may actually be P. superbum, so check the number of spore patches. Watch for spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. The white star-shaped hairs on the fronds protect the plant, so do not rub them off.
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) get?
The mature size of Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) is Shield fronds 60 cm or more across; fertile fronds 30-200 cm; plants about 1 m wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)?
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum): 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 Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)?
The price of Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) 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 superbum
- Wikipedia - Platycerium superbum
- Hobbyist's Guide to Identifying Platyceriums (H. Halling, LAIFS; archived) - Platycerium grande / superbum
- 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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