Staghorn ferns attract the viewer's attention because they develop strikingly different leaves. This property is not the only botanical peculiarity. The fern family has adapted to specific habitats and requires special conditions as an ornamental plant.
What is a staghorn fern and how do you care for it?
Staghorn ferns (Platycerium) are epiphytic ferns that are known for their differently shaped leaves. They prefer partially shaded locations and high humidity. As ornamental plants they can be cultivated in greenhouses, winter gardens or as potted plants on the windowsill.
Origin
Behind the staghorn ferns lies the genus Platycerium, which belongs to the spotted fern family. There are 18 species worldwide, whose distribution is mainly in tropical regions. Staghorn ferns are found in South America and Africa, southern East Asia, Australia and New Guinea.
Growth
The ferns grow epiphytically. They live as epiphytes on trees to get more light. Adult specimens can reach a size of more than 100 centimeters. They develop a short rhizome from which roots and leaf fronds emerge. Within the genus there are solitary and colony-forming species in which the rhizome branches or the root tips form new rhizomes.
leaves
A special feature of staghorn ferns are their leaves. The spore plants develop differently shaped leaf fronds that differ not only in shape but also in function. Spore-bearing fronds hang down in most species. Their leaf blades are elongated. It splits like antlers at the tip. On the underside of the leaf there are numerous spore containers in which spores are developed. These are spread by the wind and germinate on surrounding trees under optimal conditions.
The sterile mantle leaves are reminiscent of the shape of a kidney or a shield. These leaf fronds protect the rhizome and roots from drying out or damage. If the leaves are dry, they will not fall off. They remain as a protective cover, provide the plant with nutrients and are overgrown by the freshly emerging leaves. This creates an upwardly open crown in which nutrients and water accumulate.
Bloom
As spore plants, staghorn ferns do not develop flowers. The fertile leaf fronds develop spores from which the next generation emerges. These young plants develop sexual plant organs, which are responsible for reproduction.
Usage
Staghorn ferns are used for interior greenery. Since they require high humidity, they thrive best in heated greenhouses. The plant can also be grown in the winter garden or as a potted plant on the windowsill if the temperature and humidity conditions are right. In planters, the staghorn fern decorates potted gardens with its aesthetic leaves. Due to its sprawling, overhanging growth, the fern is perfect as a hanging basket plant.
Is staghorn fern poisonous?
The staghorn fern is considered slightly poisonous because of the saponins, tannins and flavonoids it contains. Symptoms of poisoning occur particularly in small children who have consumed large quantities of the leaves. This can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. The gastrointestinal tract can become inflamed. Similar symptoms can occur in pets.read more
Which location is suitable?
The spotted fern family prefers a bright location with partially shaded conditions. In their natural distribution areas, the plants grow in the upper tree layers, where they are protected from direct sunlight by the tree foliage.
When growing indoors, make sure that the fern does not receive direct sun. The radiation burns the leaf fronds, causing them to fade or become brown. Rooms that are too dark impair growth. Since the plant absorbs moisture from the air, it needs a humid and warm location.
You should pay attention to this:
- Staghorn ferns like temperatures between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius
- from 22 degrees Celsius spray the plants once a day with soft water
- well ventilated location
- lower temperature limit is ten degrees Celsius
What soil does the plant need?
Focus on nature when cultivating the staghorn fern. You provide the tropical plant with optimal growing conditions if you attach the rhizome to a rough piece of bark with a strong cotton thread. To provide optimal moisture conditions, you can cover the rhizome in sphagnum moss.
Alternatively, the ferns can be placed in a planter or hanging basket. Use a coarse-fiber substrate mixture of sphagnum and peat or coconut fiber. Soil is not suitable for cultivating spore plants.
Suitable substrate:
- Orchid soil
- Bark pieces
- Gel balls
Propagate staghorn fern
Rarely, staghorn ferns develop side shoots that arise from adventitious buds between the mantle leaves. You can cut off these offshoots with a sharp knife. Be careful not to damage the mother plant and offshoots. Under moist and warm conditions, the section quickly forms new roots. Place the separated plant directly into a mesh basket that has been filled with sphagnum.
Sowing
New plants can also be grown using spores. This method is lengthy and requires specialist knowledge, because the actual fern does not grow from the spores but rather a tiny sexual generation. This heart-shaped body of vegetation develops sexual organs. If the nuclei of opposite sexes fuse, a new spore plant grows.
Procedure
Between September and December, the spores are sown on wet peat mulch and covered with a thin layer of sand. The seed boxes are covered with foil and placed in a dark place. The sexual generation grows at temperatures of around 25 degrees Celsius. It takes some time for the plants to be fertilized and for spore plants to grow. Only then are the plants brought to their final location.
Staghorn fern in pot
Conventional planters made of clay or plastic are unsuitable for cultivating staghorn ferns because of the lack of air circulation. Use a shallow bowl as the plant spreads more in width than in depth. Mesh baskets that you fill with moss are ideal. Coconut shells provide support for the plants and at the same time store moisture, which is constantly released into the air. Staghorn ferns grow optimally when their rhizome is attached to an epiphyte stem.
In the greenhouse
If you cannot offer the staghorn fern optimal conditions in your home, we recommend cultivating it in a greenhouse. No specimens grow in a greenhouse on the windowsill. Place a bowl of water next to the plant so that the humidity remains constant. Check the water content in the substrate regularly.
Watering staghorn fern
Between spring and autumn, the staghorn fern is in the growth phase. During this time he needs regular watering. Use soft, room temperature water. Filtered rainwater is ideal.
Make sure that the mantle leaves do not get any water. Since they spread densely above the substrate, dipping is an optimal alternative to watering. Leave the fern in the water for 20 minutes so that the substrate can soak up the liquid. In winter the plants are in the dormant phase. During this time, staghorn ferns are watered moderately. Submerge the roots in a water bath for one to two minutes. After the immersion bath, the excess water should drain off completely.
When to water the staghorn fern:
- if the plant has lost significant weight
- at the latest with drooping fronds
- as soon as the substrate has almost completely dried out
Fertilize staghorn fern properly
Staghorn ferns have low nutrient requirements because their dead mantle leaves are broken down and utilized over time. Larger specimens enjoy two to three fertilizer applications in one growing season. Dip the piece of bark that the fern is attached to in a low-strength fertilizer solution for a few minutes. You can use a commercial green plant fertilizer. To prevent the roots from burning, you should not place the plant directly in the solution.
Cut staghorn fern correctly
Cutting measures are not necessary. Wilted leaves should not be removed as they act as a source of humus and a protective cover.
Repotting
Regardless of whether you are cultivating your staghorn fern on a piece of bark or growing it in a pot, it needs to be transplanted about every three to five years. You should place the staghorn fern in a larger pot or on a piece of fresh bark at the latest when the stability of the plant decreases or the substrate dissolves. The roots are fragile and must be removed very carefully from the old base and substrate.read more
Wintering
In winter, the incidence of light is significantly reduced, so that the staghorn fern enters a resting phase. During this time, the spore plant can tolerate temperatures between twelve and 15 degrees Celsius. Water the plant sparingly and avoid adding fertilizer.
Pests
Staghorn ferns are occasionally attacked by scale insects, which settle on the underside of the leaf fronds. They prove to be stubborn pests against which many pesticides have no effect. Carefully scrape the insects off the leaves using a knife that is not too sharp. This measure must be repeated regularly until the infestation has been visibly contained. Alternatively, you can dab the parasites with a brush soaked in spirit.
Fungal infestation
Fungal spores find optimal growth conditions in poorly ventilated locations with high humidity. If the staghorn fern is affected, you should remove affected parts of the plant. Treat the plant with a fungicide. With adapted irrigation units and sufficient fresh air you can prevent fungal infestation.
Brown leaves
The plant regularly renews its leaf fronds, causing old leaves to brown and wilt. If only the tips of the leaves change color, this indicates a suboptimal location. The staghorn fern does not tolerate drafts. Drought also causes the fern fronds to turn brown.
Tip
A hollowed-out piece of trunk provides the ideal substrate for the staghorn fern. Place the rhizome in the hole and hang the log on a wall. A root stump, in the spaces between which the staghorn fern finds good growing conditions, is suitable as a table decoration.
Varieties
- Platycerium bifurcatum: Leaves dark or light green, leaf lobes of different lengths. Fertile leaves grow up to 100 centimeters long, sterile antler leaves grow up to 25 centimeters long.
- Platycerium grande: Young leaves velvety hairy, leaf fronds light green. Sterile mantle leaves more curved and slightly wavy. Fertile fronds up to 140 centimeters long.
