Photo: © Daniel IseliPlantoScanImage: PlantoScan
Staghorn Fern Plant Care
Platycerium bifurcatum (Cav.) C.Chr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This uniquely shaped plant, with its frond-like leaves resembling antlers, hails from Australia and Southeast Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to its unusual appearance and the challenge of cultivating its epiphytic nature, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to dappled shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Staghorn Fern?
Water Staghorn Fern every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to dappled shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Staghorn Fern Native To?
What Is the Staghorn Fern?
Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) belongs to the Polypodiaceae family within the Platycerium genus. Staghorn Fern is native to Java, Bali, New Guinea, New South Wales, Queensland and Lord Howe Island. Staghorn Fern is also known as Elkhorn Fern, Antler Fern.
Staghorn Fern displays an epiphytic, fern-like growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Staghorn Fern produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Staghorn Fern?
Platycerium bifurcatum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Staghorn Fern Need?
Staghorn Fern thrives in bright indirect to dappled shade. Avoid placing Staghorn Fern in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to dappled shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Staghorn Fern Prefer?
Platycerium bifurcatum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Staghorn Fern prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Staghorn Fern?
Well-draining epiphytic mix with sphagnum moss and bark chips. Good drainage is essential for Staghorn Fern to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Staghorn Fern?
Feed Staghorn Fern every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Staghorn Fern?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Staghorn Fern?
Staghorn Fern can be propagated through spores, division of offsets (pups). Similar propagation techniques also apply to staghorn fern plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Staghorn Fern Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Staghorn Fern?
Staghorn Fern is susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Staghorn Fern Need?
Staghorn Fern grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Staghorn Fern is native to Java, Bali, New Guinea, New South Wales, Queensland and Lord Howe Island. In cooler regions, grow Staghorn Fern as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Staghorn Fern is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Platycerium genus — compare its care with other Platycerium species on PlantoScan.
Platycerium is part of the Polypodiaceae plant family — browse all Polypodiaceae genera and species.
Staghorn Fern thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Platycerium bifurcatum (Cav.) C.Chr., family Polypodiaceae (first published in Index Filic. : 496 (1906)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Staghorn Fern as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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