Platycerium superbum
staghorn fern
A tender, evergreen, epiphytic fern with large, upright, rounded to kidney-shaped, deeply lobed, grey-green fronds and long, pendent, wedge-shaped, forked, leathery, bright green fertile fronds
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Blue Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Blue Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Blue Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Blue Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Platycerium are evergreen, epiphytic ferns with short rhizomes, and a tuft of rounded or heart-shaped sterile fronds, sometimes lobed on the upper margin, and erect or pendent, grey-green fertile fronds which are usually repeatedly forked
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a heated greenhouse or conservatory but out of direct sunlight. Grow epiphytically on bark or wood to recreate the natural environment of growing on trees, using an equal mix of coarse leaf mould, loam, and charcoal in bright filtered light and hight humidity. In growth, water freely, mist daily, and feed monthly. Do not allow roots to dry out. Benefits from occasional immersion of the entire root ball in water for several minutes and then drained. Water sparingly in winter. See Epiphytic Ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by replanting plantlets or through spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.