Description
Platycerium (staghorn fern) is a genus of the polypody family comprising a dozen or so species of epiphytic ferns with two kinds of fronds: branched fertile fronds, which also bear the spore cases, and flat shield fronds, pressed at the bottom against the support and slightly turned out at the top, forming a natural "pot" in which humus and water collect – both essential to the plant. The plant grows 25–30 cm tall, and the hanging fronds reach 50–60 cm in length.
Staghorn ferns occur in tropical Africa, Asia and Australia. In greenhouses and homes the most common is the elkhorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum).
Requirements
Platycerium is easy to grow. It is a tolerant plant that likes bright positions, but needs protection from direct sun.
Propagation
Platycerium can be propagated by separating the small plants that appear at the base of older specimens – such an offset must have its own roots to survive independently. Large plants can also be divided.
Care
It is worth spraying the whole plant 1–2 times a week. Never use leaf shine on it. Do not wipe the dust off the fronds either, as this destroys the tiny hairs that cover them and help the plant cope with dry air. Platycerium likes warmth – the optimum temperature is about 25°C; in winter it can be lower, but should not drop below 10°C. Old fronds die back and dry – do not remove them, they will fall off by themselves.