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About this product
Platycerium bifurcatum – supplied in a 12 cm pot
Plant Highlights: Distinctive antler-shaped fronds • Epiphytic fern with sculptural appeal • Appreciates higher humidity • An eye-catching choice for shelves or wall displays
Overview
Platycerium bifurcatum, commonly known as the Staghorn Fern, is an unusual evergreen fern prized for its dramatic forked fronds that resemble the antlers of a stag. Native to forests where it grows naturally on trees, it is an epiphytic plant that brings a striking architectural element to indoor spaces.
The plant produces two types of fronds: rounded shield fronds that protect the base of the plant, and graceful, antler-like fertile fronds that arch outwards as the plant matures. Its distinctive growth habit makes it an excellent specimen for displaying in pots or, once established, mounting onto boards or plaques.
Plant Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Platycerium bifurcatum |
| Common Name | Staghorn Fern |
| Plant Type | Evergreen indoor fern |
| Supplied Form | 12 cm pot |
| Foliage | Forked, antler-shaped green fronds |
| Position | Bright, indirect light |
| Watering | Water when the growing medium begins to dry, allowing excess water to drain away |
| Humidity | Prefers moderate to high humidity |
| Compost | Free-draining houseplant or orchid-style growing medium |
| Mature Height | Up to 90 cm |
| Mature Spread | Up to 80 cm |
Growing Guide
Position in bright, indirect light away from strong midday sun, which can scorch the fronds. As an epiphytic fern, it prefers good air circulation and a free-draining growing medium rather than dense, moisture-retentive compost.
Water thoroughly when the growing medium starts to dry, allowing any excess water to drain away. Higher humidity encourages healthy growth, making this fern well suited to naturally humid rooms or homes where humidity can be increased if needed. Avoid removing the rounded brown shield fronds, as they are a natural and important part of the plant's growth.
Indoor Placement
The Staghorn Fern performs well in bright living rooms, kitchens and naturally bright bathrooms where higher humidity supports healthy growth. Keep it away from direct heat sources and cold draughts.
Good to Know
The soft, silvery coating on the antler fronds is natural and helps protect the plant by reducing moisture loss. It should not be rubbed or washed off.
Product Information
- Supplied in a 12 cm pot
- Evergreen indoor fern
- Distinctive antler-shaped fronds
- Suitable for pot culture or mounting as the plant matures
- Best grown in bright, indirect light with good humidity and a free-draining growing medium
Indoor growing & care
- Plant type
- houseplant
- Position & light
- Bright indirect
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Free draining
- Mature size
- 90cm high· 80cm wide
- Foliage
- evergreen
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