© Daderot / CC0Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)
Platycerium superbum, the Staghorn Fern, is a large epiphytic fern native to eastern Australia. Its rounded shield fronds wrap around the base of the plant and can grow to more than 60cm across, while a pair of long, dramatically drooping fertile fronds gives the whole plant a bold, sculptural presence. A distinctive trait is that spores form in a single large patch at the base of the first fork in the fertile fronds, appearing only once a plant is well established. Growing it well takes some experience, but its striking, larger-than-life growth habit makes it a favorite among staghorn fern enthusiasts.
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Apply as a growerStaghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Perennial (epiphytic fern)
- Size
- Shield fronds 60 cm or more across; fertile fronds 30-200 cm; plants about 1 m wide
- 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. 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.
About Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)
Platycerium superbum is a large staghorn fern with shield fronds over 60cm across and long, trailing fertile fronds. Learn how this striking epiphyte grows and how to care for it.
7 things to know before growing Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)
1Bright, Indirect Light
Platycerium superbum prefers bright, filtered light rather than direct sun, similar to what you'd get behind a sheer curtain. If grown outdoors, place it somewhere sheltered from harsh midsummer sun and winter frost.
2Water When the Mount Dries
Whether mounted or potted, water thoroughly once the surface of the substrate or moss has dried out. Because the shield fronds naturally hold water, avoid keeping the plant constantly wet.
3Choose a Free-Draining Mix
As an epiphyte, it does best in a well-draining, airy mix such as sphagnum moss, tree fern fiber, or bark. Avoid packing the medium too tightly so air can still reach the roots.
4Repot Around the Shield Fronds
The shield fronds protect the plant, so leave old ones in place rather than removing them, and build up new moss or a new mount over them when repotting. Larger, mature plants will need more room to work with.
5Adjust Care by Season
During warmer, active growth periods, water and feed more regularly; in cooler seasons, let it dry out more between waterings. Avoid sudden temperature swings as well.
6Leave Room for Drooping Fronds
The fertile fronds grow in pairs and can reach 30 to 200cm in length, hanging down as they mature. Hanging displays or wall mounts work well, so plan for the space the fronds will eventually need.
7Inspect the Plant Before Buying
Check that the shield fronds aren't discolored or overly dry, and that the fertile fronds show no damage. A plant with a well-established base tends to be easier to care for afterward.
Frequently asked questions about Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)
- Q.Is Platycerium superbum suitable for beginners?
- A.It's generally considered an intermediate-level plant, as it takes some practice to get a feel for watering an epiphyte. Prior experience with other staghorn ferns makes it easier to judge placement and watering.
- Q.What's the difference between shield and fertile fronds?
- A.Shield fronds are the rounded fronds that wrap around the base of the plant, storing moisture and nutrients while protecting it. Fertile fronds are the pair of long, drooping fronds that eventually produce spores.
- Q.How large does the plant get?
- A.Shield fronds can grow over 60cm across, and fertile fronds can reach 30 to 200cm in length. The plant as a whole can span around 1m wide, so it's worth planning for that eventual size when choosing a spot.
- Q.Can it be grown indoors?
- A.Yes, as long as it gets plenty of bright light near a window. Keep in mind that mature plants have long, trailing fertile fronds, so a spot with enough ceiling height and open space works best.
- Q.How do the spores form?
- A.In Platycerium superbum, spores appear as a single large patch at the base of the first fork in the fertile fronds. This only happens once the plant has reached maturity.
Handy Growing Tools for Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)
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