TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


Pictogram Guide · Mouse over pictogram for definition

Platycerium sp., Staghorn

Platycerium sp.

Staghorn
Family: Polypodiaceae
Origin: Tropical areas of South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Guinea
Small plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeRegular waterEpiphyte plantOrnamental foliage

Ferns in this genus are widely known as Staghorn or Elkhorn ferns due to their uniquely-shaped fronds. Platycerium sporophytes (adult plants) have tufted roots growing from a short rhizome that bears two types of fronds, basal and fertile fronds. Basal fronds are sterile, shield or kidney shaped and laminate against the tree and protect the fern's roots from damage and dessication. In some Platycerium species the top margin of these fronds forms an open crown of lobes and thereby catches falling forest litter and water. Fertile fronds bear spores on their undersurface, are dichotomous or antler shaped and jut out or hang from the rhizome.

Species and varieties:

Platycerium bifurcatum

Platycerium coronarium

Platycerium superbum

Platycerium wandae


Similar plants:




Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/platycerium_sp.htm

Platycerium x Netherlands - Stags Horn Fern

Staghorn fern (Stagshorn). Showy, tropical looking epiphyte that can be grown on a tree or in a large hanging basket. It is able to grow high in the trees of the rainforest, often grows in large masses. Long, pendulous, much bifurcated fertile fronds produce spores on special cup shaped appendages. Basal fronds form a crown shaped basket.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Orchidasm - Rapid Growth Booster
This item is certified for shipping to California.
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant
9 plants in stock
$79.95