They are essentially ferns from moist forests in Eastern Australia. ... The easiest way to distinguish between the two types of fern is that elkhorns have many plants growing together in communities and they have smaller, slender fronds . Whereas staghorns tend to grow as larger individuals.
How do I identify a staghorn fern?
One of the keys to identifying platycerium species is in the shape and location of the spore patches . Some are located on the tips, some in the middle of the frond, and others on lobes. Some have two spore patches, others only one spore patch. Most growers tend to over water staghorn ferns.
Is it a staghorn and elkhorn?
The difference between these two plants is the elkhorn (Platycerium bifurcatum) has thinner, wispier leaves and multiple “eyes” or rosettes of foliage whereas the staghorn (Platycerium superbum – pronounced with the emphasis on the middle syllable) has a single eye and larger leaves.
How do you care for elkhorn ferns?
Elkhorn Fern Plant Care
They do need regular watering , especially in dry conditions. A good soaking once a week during warm weather is needed, hold back a bit in cooler weather. Ensure that the plant is not allowed to dry out and keep moist.
What is another name for the staghorn fern?
Platycerium superbum , commonly known as the staghorn fern, is a Platycerium species of fern. It is native to Australia.
Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?
Up-to-date gardeners know that California’s low rainfall and alkaline soil are tough on acid-loving plants. Coffee grounds act as a mulch and soil improver . ... A few staghorn owners even advocate using the entire banana, placing it into the paper-like platycerium that supports the main plant.
Why is staghorn ferns so expensive?
Why is Staghorn Fern so expensive? Staghorn fern is a rare plant species and they require optimal amounts of care for good growth . They are big beautiful plants but you need to take care of their growth requirements like favourable temperature, humidity and fertilizers during the growth period.
Does a staghorn fern need a lot of light?
Staghorn ferns need lots of bright but indirect or diffused sunlight . This is best achieved by placing them next to the brightest window in the house. All directions are fine, but west-facing windows might expose the fern to too much direct afternoon sun.
How long does a staghorn fern live?
About once a year, we’ll do a cleaning to remove dried fronds and any decayed material. As you can see, at about 90 years of age , this fern is thriving and absolutely gorgeous!
Can staghorn ferns tolerate sun?
They can tolerate more direct sunlight when humidity and temperatures are high but also require more water when in direct light. Provide staghorn ferns with warm temperatures, plentiful moisture and excellent drainage for best results. These plants do best with normal household temperatures above 55oF.
Are banana peels good for staghorn ferns?
ANSWER: Banana peels can contribute lots of potassium and a little phosphorus to the nutrient needs of your staghorn fern. But they contain very little nitrogen, which also is needed for good growth. So go ahead, toss a few banana peels among the foliage to slowly release their nutrients.
Why are the tips of my staghorn fern turning brown?
If the antler fronds begin to brown or blacken at the base, this is a sign of over-watering. Reduce watering to once monthly until plant shows sign of recovery. If the antler fronds begin to brown at the tips or wilt, this is a sign of under-watering . Increase watering as needed.
What is the best fertilizer for Staghorns?
A: You can use organic fertilizers such as diluted fish emulsion , applied every two to three weeks in spring and summer, if ferns are in containers, or monthly if grown in the garden. Kelp also is good. Or you can use small amounts of a balanced fertilizer such as an 8-8-8.
Are there different types of staghorn ferns?
- Platycerium coronarium, ‘Staghorn Fern’, ‘Crown Staghorn’, ‘Elkhorn Fern’, ‘Disc Stag’s Horn Fern’
- Platycerium alcicorne.
- Platycerium andinum, ‘American Staghorn Fern’
- Platycerium bifurcatum.
- Platycerium hillii, ‘Stiff Staghorn’, ‘Green Staghorn’
How many different staghorn ferns are there?
Staghorn ferns are unusual, exotic-looking plants that will definitely attract guests’ attention, whether they’re displayed in the home or outdoors in a warm-climate garden. The plants known as staghorn ferns include the 18 species in the Platycerium genus plus many hybrids and varieties of those species.
Why is it called staghorn fern?
Staghorn Fern: Platycerium bifurcatum. Native to Australia. The staghorn fern gets its name from its leaves (called fronds) because they resemble that of a deer . These plants can be a bit intimidating, they can grow to be 3 feet wide, but they are truly a beautiful living work of art.
