Staghorn Fern Varieties, Species, and Types

Staghorn ferns are exotic-looking plants that are unusual plant. They attract the attention of people towards them and you can consider them outdoor plants. They used to be grown in the hot climate area. If you live in a particular area then you can grow these plants in your home garden. 

You will find staghorn fern varieties which are 18 in number in the genus Platycerium of the polypod family. They are primarily native to Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia. If you want to grow them in your garden then you need to fulfill certain requirements which include their needed requirements and care for them.

All About the Staghorn Fern varieties

You need to know about the oldest ancient plants that are ferns, you will wonder to know that they have over 12,000 different kinds. They are different from other plants because they can’t be produced by the flowers and seeds again. But they release minute spores into the air that grow into new plants. Some different varieties are explained below:

Staghorn ferns are one of them that every farmer likes to grow in his garden. These are not usual in every plant. That’s why they are also known as crown staghorn or elkhorn. These both are different in reality. People wonder about the difference between staghorn and elkhorn.

They are basically considered tropical plants that originated in South Africa, South America, Africa, Australia, and New Guinea. Their leaves are known as shields. You can call them one of the popular choices, especially in the botanical gardens and people tend to grow them in the hanging baskets in their homes.

 

Various varieties of these ferns can be grown in your home garden. So,  you can select the variety as per the requirements of your garden and as per your choice as well.

Choosing Various Types of Staghorn Fern

These ferns are like bryophytes and orchids. They are also called epiphytes. This indicates that they love to grow in trees above the ground and they don’t require soil contact. They used to take water and minerals from the air. Their leaves grow in this way that is amazing to know. You will enjoy this procedure.

When you examine them you will come to know that most of them are tropical species, that have some hailing from the Southeast, Australia, and the Pacific islands. But you will know that they need particular settings and care.

You need to remember some requirements while growing this plant in your home garden. You need to keep in mind that you should have experience, You need to check the moisture level of your area and many more. Because their varieties vary from one another, some are simpler and some are difficult to cultivate. 

You need to keep in mind that the location you have selected to grow your plants, should be shady such as a tree or a covered porch. Some species should not be exposed to temperatures below 13 degrees C.

Anatomy of the Staghorn Fern

When you talk about the anatomy of the staghorn fern, this varies from that of many other popular houseplants. These ferns are considered one of the oldest ancient plants. The main point about them is that they can’t be produced by the flowers and seeds again, but in fact, they release spores into the air which then grow into the new plant.

You know that the leaves of ferns have another name which is fronds. These contain two varieties, you will come to know that the first and most noticeable variety is the “antler” frond. That grows out of the middle part of the plant. This is similar to the deer and moose antlers that give it its name. 

When it comes to the second variety of fronds which is the shield frond. You will notice circular, rigid plate-like leaves in its base. They have a specific job to defend the plant’s roots and absorb water and nutrients as well. 

Before drying out, they turn green making it the perfect tropical plant with all aspects of its life cycle. You should know that appearing brown hield around its leaves is not a sign of dying a plant like other plants. If you find such a shield around leaves you need not remove it. 

There is a pain point for you to notice that the root ball is the last portion that is small in size and helps the plant to attach to the environment. You need to give them a lot of drainage since their roots are so small and they are prone to root rot.

Staghorn Fern Species and Varieties

There are many species and varieties of staghorn, you need to be aware of all of them so that it would become easy for you to grow the variety in your garden whichever you wanna grow.

Platycerium bifurcatum

• The most common variety of ferns you can grow in your home garden is Platycerium bifurcatum.
• You need not care for it much makes it easy for newbies to grow it.
• This may grow in huge size, you need an open area to grow it.
• You need to have a sturdy mount and enough room to support it.
• It can survive in the dip to 30 degrees F temperature.

Platycerium superbum

• Another variety of Platycerium Superbum.
• This is hard to grow and locate as well.
• But if you grow it in your home garden, it will give your garden a beautiful look.
• This trait makes it popular among all ferns.
• This develops huge, light-green fronds that reach upward and downward.
• You need to give it a high humid area. 
• Take care of it and avoid overwatering because it can get easily harmed by it.

Platycerium veitchii

• You should know about this variety Platycerium Veitchii.
• This is a silvery-colored semi-desert plant.
• This is obvious that it is native to Australia.
• You can easily grow this variety in your garden.
• It can survive in low temperatures as low as -1 degrees C.
• You need to give them a lot of light for their favorable growth.

Platycerium hillii

• If you are a beginner then this variety is for you.
• This variety is called Platycerium Hillii.
• This produces dark green leaves.
• It is native to Australia and New Guinea.

Platycerium angolense

• The next variety is known as Platycerium Angolense.
• It can survive in extremely hot temperatures.
• They enjoy temperatures of 80-90 degrees F (27 to 32 degrees C).
• It cannot survive in conditions below 60 degrees F.
• If you live in a hot climate, you can grow this variety, it would be a great choice for you.
• It is one of the most challenging ferns to cultivate.
• It needs frequent watering and a high level of humidity.

How to Care for Staghorn Fern? 

You already know much about the staghorn plant and its species, now you need to know all about the tips you have to follow to keep healthy your plant. Here these are:

• Sunlight needs
• Water needs
• Fertilizer needs
• Humidity needs
• Temperature needs
• Soil needs

Light needs 

• You need to give them a sufficient amount of light.
• Avoid direct sunlight, so try to give them indirect sunlight.
• You have to protect your plant in your home from direct sunlight.
• It is recommended to provide them with indirect sunlight.
• You can place them near the window which is covered with a shield.

Water needs 

• You need to give them water regularly.
• Because you are growing them in the summer season. Water would be their primary need.
• You can reduce the level of frequency in winter’s time.
• The climate condition conditions matter a lot so take care of it.
• Water your plant so that it does not remain dry for long. 

Fertilizer needs 

• You need to provide them with a good fertilizer.
• Balanced and water-soluble fertilizer is required.
• You need to fertilize them every month.
• In this way, they will receive good nutrients.
• But fertilize them only when they are growing in their season.
• In winter, you need to reduce the frequency of fertilizers.

Humidity needs 

• You need to give humid conditions.
• Because they love the high level of humidity.
• If you want to increase the level of humidity, you can make use of a small humidifier.
• You can place the plant in the kitchen or the bathroom as well to increase humidity.
• You can keep misting your plant so that the level of moisture remains maintained in the plant. 

Temperature needs

• They remain happy in average indoor temperatures.
• If you are happy with your room temperature, then your plant will too.
• Remember you keep the temperature less than 50°F.
• Feed your plant well to get good results.

Soil needs 

• They should be given a nutrient-rich soil mix.
• You can some peat, compost, etc like some of the organic materials that will raise the nutrients in the soil.
• Nutrients will help in the growth of the leaves and the foliage of the plant.

Conclusion

Staghorn ferns are exotic-looking plants that are unusual plant. They attract the attention of people towards them and you can consider them outdoor plants. They used to be grown in the hot climate area. If you live in a particular area then you can grow these plants in your home garden. 

You will find staghorn fern varieties which are 18 in number in the genus Platycerium of the polypod family. They are primarily native to Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia. If you want to grow them in your garden then you need to fulfill certain requirements which include their needed requirements and care for them.

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