You Grow Girl™

By Gayla Sanders

Commonly referred to as the Staghorn fern or Elkhorn fern due to it's oddly shaped fronds, this prehistoric-looking member of the fern group is native to tropical Australia and New Guinea. All plants in the genus are epiphytic (they grow on trees) and can grow to be as large as 3 or 4ft long.

Platycerium bifurcatum is the most common of the 18 species within this genus and the most suited to growing as a house plant. Its name is derived from the Greek platys meaning "broad" and keras meaning "horn".

The plant has two distinct types of fronds. Fertile (spore-bearing fronds)--Grayish-green, can grow to several feet in length. Have the characteristic shape that give the plant its name. The fronds from which spores are produced.
Sterile or "shield" frond--The base from which the fertile fronds hang and the part that clings to trees. They are green when young but turn brown and papery as they mature.

The fertile fronds will actually vary in appearance according to the light intensity they are grown under. This can result in members of the same species that appear to be completely different.

Family: Polypodiaceae
Hardiness: Zones 9-11
Blooms: Does not flower. Reproduces by producing spores that are blown off the fronds and spread by wind to other trees.
Use: Often mounted on slabs of wood or cork. Best grown in greenhouses or outdoors in suitable climates, but can be grown as house plants with attention to care.

Light: Filtered sunlight is best. Avoid direct, hot sun. These plants often grow in trees where light is filtered by the leaves and branches of the tree.

Temperature: Best between 60ºF and 80º F. Winter temperature should not fall below 45º F.

Water: They like a humid atmosphere. Humidity should be applied indirectly (ie. spraying the air near the plant but not directly on the foliage). Spraying leaves directly can result in leaf spotting. Potted plants should be watered when the soil is dry. Take care not to over-water which can cause fungal rot and death. Watering can also be accomplished by dunking the plant and allowing the water to drain off.

Fertilizing: Very little is needed. Growth is slow. Plants grown on wood slabs can be fertilized by placing some decaying leaves behind the shield fronds. Sea kelp is a good organic fertilizer.

Repotting: Potting isn't necessary but can be done. Pot in orchid substrate mixed with sphagnum moss and a dash of charcoal to keep it fresh. Plants can also be mounted on wood slabs by the base of the plant using wire or plastic strips. They can also be hung in wooden or wire baskets.

Propagation: Through offsets that emerge from the base of the plant. Raising a plant from spores is a slow and difficult process and not recommended for the beginner.

Common Problems: Scale insects and fungal disease.

Special Hints: To grow on a piece of wood: Tap nails into a piece of wood in a pattern slightly larger than the base of your fern. Lay the plant in position between the nails with some pre-soaked sphagnum moss underneath. Tie some fishing line or wire to one nail, cross over the plant base, and tie to another nail. Repeat until the plant base is secured to the wood. Eventually the plant will grow over the supports, hiding them from view and further securing itself to the board.