Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)

Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii) key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

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

Watering

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

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.

About Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)

Platycerium hillii is a hardy, beginner-friendly staghorn fern with round shield leaves and broad, nearly hairless fronds. Learn how to place, water, and care for it.

7 things to know before growing Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)

1. 1Bright, Indirect Light

   Platycerium hillii prefers bright, filtered light rather than direct sun. If kept outdoors, place it under an eave or in dappled shade during summer to avoid scorching its leaves.

2. 2Water When Dry

   As an epiphyte, it doesn't need watering as often as soil-grown houseplants. Water thoroughly once the mounting medium dries out, and water a bit more often during the spring-to-autumn growing season.

3. 3Mount on Sphagnum Moss

   Mounting it on a board or driftwood wrapped in sphagnum moss is the classic way to grow this fern. If potting it instead, use a well-draining orchid-style mix so the roots don't stay too wet.

4. 4Repot in Warm Weather

   Once the shield leaves outgrow their mount or pot, move it to a larger one in spring or early summer while the plant is actively growing. Try to leave the existing shield leaves intact and simply fix them onto the new mount to avoid damaging the roots.

5. 5Bring Indoors in Winter

   As temperatures drop, move the plant indoors to a bright windowsill rather than leaving it outside. Growth slows during this period, so water less frequently and let it stay on the drier side.

6. 6Choosing a Healthy Plant

   Look for a plant whose shield leaves wrap snugly around the base without being overly shriveled or brown. Healthy spore leaves should be broad, firm, and free of discoloration or dark spots.

7. 7Don't Remove Shield Leaves

   Even shield leaves that look brown and withered are still protecting the plant and storing nutrients, so avoid peeling them off. It's natural for new shield leaves to grow over the old ones in overlapping layers.

Frequently asked questions about Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)

Q.Should I grow it outdoors or indoors?

A.It can be grown outdoors under an eave when temperature and light conditions suit it, but it needs to come indoors for winter since it's sensitive to cold. If you can provide bright, indirect light, it can also be kept indoors year-round.

Q.What's the difference between shield leaves and spore leaves?

A.Shield leaves are the round leaves that wrap around the base, storing moisture and nutrients while protecting the plant. Spore leaves are the broad fronds that grow upward at an angle, handling photosynthesis and eventually producing spores.

Q.How big does it grow?

A.Spore leaves can range from about 23 to 90 cm or more in length, with a width of up to roughly 60 cm. Shield leaves typically reach about 15.5 to 36 cm long, gradually growing larger as the plant matures.

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.This is considered one of the sturdier, easier Platycerium species and is often recommended for beginners. As long as you get the basic light placement and watering rhythm right, it tends to grow without major issues.

Q.Why do the leaves turn black or die back?

A.Common causes include root rot from overwatering, excessive dryness, or leaf scorch from direct sun. Start by reviewing your watering frequency and light placement, and make sure the plant gets good airflow.

Handy Growing Tools for Northern Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium hillii)

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