Crown Staghorn Fern (Platycerium coronarium)

Crown Staghorn Fern (Platycerium coronarium) key facts

Growing Difficulty

Advanced

Lifespan

Perennial (epiphytic fern)

Size

Up to 3 m long and 1.5 m across when fully grown; fertile fronds hang to about 2 m

Watering

Little data on feeding; in the wild, leaf litter trapped by the shield fronds decomposes to supply nutrients

Light & Placement

Sun to semi-shade. It likes bright light, but indoors avoid long hours of harsh direct sun. Hang it high so the long fertile fronds can drape.

Watering

Moderate watering with occasional misting to maintain humidity.

Temperature & Overwintering

A tropical species that dislikes cold. Keep it in a warm room or greenhouse in winter.

Soil & Repotting

Mount on a board or tree-fern slab, or plant in a shallow pot with sphagnum. Mounted and hung plants best show off the pendulous fronds.

Propagation

Mainly propagated from spores.

Pests & Cautions

Watch for spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. The white star-shaped hairs on the fronds protect the plant, so do not rub them off.

About Crown Staghorn Fern (Platycerium coronarium)

The Crown Staghorn Fern (Platycerium coronarium) has crown-shaped shield fronds and fertile fronds cascading up to 2m. An epiphytic fern for advanced growers.

7 things to know before growing Crown Staghorn Fern (Platycerium coronarium)

1. 1Bright, Indirect Light Only

   Direct sun can scorch the fronds, so keep the plant in bright, filtered light similar to what passes through a sheer curtain. Good air circulation is also important, since it helps prevent root rot common to epiphytic plants.

2. 2Water Deeply, Then Let It Dry

   Let the shield fronds and mounting medium dry out before watering thoroughly, and avoid keeping the plant constantly wet. Because it appreciates humidity, misting the fronds during dry seasons helps keep it in good condition.

3. 3Mount on Sphagnum Moss or Fern Board

   Rather than potting in soil, this fern is typically mounted on sphagnum moss or a fern board, in keeping with its epiphytic nature. Leave extra space around the base, since the shield fronds will grow to wrap around the mount as the plant matures.

4. 4Remount as It Outgrows Its Board

   As the shield fronds spread to cover the entire mount, plan to remount the plant on a larger board or hanging basket periodically. Layering fresh moss over the old rather than stripping it away helps avoid damaging the roots and shield fronds.

5. 5Bring Indoors for Winter

   This fern is sensitive to cold, so move it to a bright spot indoors once temperatures drop. During the growing season from spring through autumn, a well-ventilated, partly shaded outdoor spot suits both the shield and fertile fronds.

6. 6Plan for Its Mature Size

   Fully grown, this fern can reach about 3m long and 1.5m wide, with fertile fronds cascading down roughly 2m. If you plan to hang it, choose a location with enough height and clearance well in advance.

7. 7Check the Shield Fronds When Choosing

   Look for a plant whose shield fronds are firmly attached to the mount with little discoloration or damage. Healthy, actively extending fertile fronds are also a good sign of overall vigor.

Frequently asked questions about Crown Staghorn Fern (Platycerium coronarium)

Q.Is this fern suitable for beginners?

A.Platycerium coronarium is generally considered a plant for experienced growers. It's best to get comfortable with the watering and placement needs of epiphytic ferns before taking this one on.

Q.How large does it eventually grow?

A.Fully grown, this is a large staghorn fern that can reach about 3m long and 1.5m wide. Its fertile fronds also cascade down to around 2m, so it needs plenty of open space to grow into.

Q.Can it be grown in potting soil?

A.Rather than being planted in soil, it's typically mounted on sphagnum moss or a fern board, following its natural epiphytic growth habit. Mounting it this way also makes it easier to enjoy the cascading form of its fertile fronds.

Q.How should it be cared for in winter?

A.Because it's sensitive to cold, bring it indoors to a bright spot once temperatures start to drop. Watering a bit less frequently than during the growing season also helps keep it healthy.

Q.What's the difference between the two frond types?

A.The shield fronds wrap around the base of the plant, with their upper lobes forming a crown-like shape. The fertile fronds are long and narrow, cascading downward and bearing spores on distinctive half-moon-shaped lobes.

Handy Growing Tools for Crown Staghorn Fern (Platycerium coronarium)

Learn more about Crown Staghorn Fern (Platycerium coronarium) in the encyclopedia

More in this category