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Plant care guide - Platycerium bifurcatum
Platycerium bifurcatum, commonly known as the Staghorn fern, is a unique epiphytic fern named for its antler-like fronds. Unlike typical ferns, it often grows mounted on wood or in hanging baskets, making it a living piece of art. It requires bright, indirect light, high humidity, and careful watering to thrive indoors.
Safe for cats
Safe for dogs
At a glance
Light
Bright, indirect light; avoid harsh direct sun.
Water
Moderate; soak or water when substrate is nearly dry.
Temperature
18–26 °C; protect from cold drafts.
Humidity
High (≥ 60%); thrives in humid rooms.
Difficulty
Moderate
Detailed care instructions
Light needs
Staghorn ferns do best in bright, indirect light; strong midday sun can scorch the fronds.
- Place near an east-facing window.
- Place a few feet from a bright south window with filtered light.
- Do not put it in strong direct midday sun.
Watering
Because it is epiphytic, Platycerium is watered differently than most potted plants.
- Mounted plants: soak the root ball in room-temperature water for 10 to 20 minutes, then let excess drain.
- Basket or pot: water thoroughly, then let the substrate dry slightly before watering again.
- Use rainwater or distilled water if possible.
- Water less frequently in winter.
- Do not treat it like a typical houseplant that likes consistently wet soil.
Humidity & temperature
Staghorn ferns prefer high humidity and warm, stable indoor temperatures.
- Aim for 60 percent humidity or higher.
- Place it in a bathroom or kitchen if you have enough light there.
- Use a humidifier or a pebble tray nearby.
- Mist occasionally to help keep fronds fresh.
- Keep it between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius.
- Protect it from drafts.
- Do not expose it to temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius.
- Do not keep it in persistently dry air.
Fertilizer
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer; pause in autumn and winter.
- Feed once per month in spring and summer.
- Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Do not keep fertilizing through autumn and winter (you can pause).
Soil & repotting
Staghorn ferns are usually mounted or grown in baskets with sphagnum moss or a bark-based mix, and they need airflow around the roots.
- Mount on wood or use a hanging basket with sphagnum moss or a bark-based mix.
- Repot or remount every 2 to 3 years when it outgrows its space.
- Ensure good air circulation around the roots.
- Do not pack it into dense soil that restricts airflow.
Common problems
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Brown frond tips (edges turning brown) | Low humidity or underwatering | Increase humidity and water more consistently (soak thoroughly when watering) |
| Yellowing fronds | Overwatering or poor drainage | Reduce watering frequency and allow the substrate to dry slightly between waterings |
| Black spots at the base (rot near shield fronds) | Water sitting at the base or fungal rot | Adjust watering and ensure the plant dries after soaking; soak only the root ball and avoid keeping shield fronds constantly wet |
| Pests (scale, mealybugs, spider mites): sticky residue, cottony clusters, or webbing | Pest infestation (often encouraged by dry conditions) | Wipe gently with a damp cloth, rinse the plant, or use a mild soap solution; isolate if needed. Avoid chemical pesticides and let fronds dry before pets return |
