Staghorn Fern (Platycerium Bifurcatum)

The Staghorn Fern is a striking epiphytic fern prized for its dramatic, antler-shaped fronds. Naturally found growing on the trunks and branches of trees in tropical and subtropical forests of Australia, New Guinea and Southeast Asia, this architectural houseplant brings an exotic, sculptural quality to any indoor space. Its distinctive forked fertile fronds emerge from a rounded basal shield frond that clasps its growing surface, creating a truly unique display unlike any other houseplant.

Whether mounted on a wooden board as a living wall feature, displayed in a hanging basket, or grown in a well-drained planter, the Staghorn Fern makes a wonderful focal point in bathrooms, living rooms and conservatories where it can enjoy the warmth and humidity it loves.

This plant is supplied as a live plant in a 2 litre root ball, ready to be potted up, mounted or displayed in your preferred style.

Key Features

• Exotic epiphytic fern with distinctive antler-shaped fronds


• Ideal for mounting on boards, hanging baskets or planters


• Thrives in bright indirect light — perfect for bathrooms, living rooms and conservatories


• Air purifying houseplant


• Considered pet safe


• Low maintenance once established — suitable for beginners


• Propagates easily from pup offsets that develop at the base

Care Guide

• Light: Bright indirect light. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight which can scorch the fronds.


• Watering: Water when the root ball or mounting medium feels dry. Soak thoroughly and allow excess moisture to drain freely. Mist the fronds regularly to maintain humidity.


• Temperature: Keep in a warm, draught-free position between 15–25°C. Not frost hardy.


• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Bathrooms and kitchens are ideal locations. Alternatively, mist frequently or use a pebble tray.


• Feeding: Apply a dilute balanced liquid fertiliser once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in autumn and winter.


• Repotting/Remounting: Repot or remount when the plant outgrows its current display. Use a free-draining, bark-based epiphytic compost mix if potting.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Platycerium bifurcatum


• Common Names: Staghorn Fern, Elkhorn Fern, Deer Antler Fern


• Classification: Tender Evergreen Epiphytic Fern


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to 90 cm × 80 cm (indoors, dependent on growing conditions)


• Growth Habit: Epiphytic — produces rounded basal shield fronds and forked, arching fertile fronds


• Perfect For: Mounted Displays, Hanging Baskets, Bathrooms, Living Rooms, Conservatories, Indoor Jungle Schemes


• Planting Position: Bright Indirect Light to Light Shade


• Temperature Range: 15–25°C (not frost hardy)


• RHS Hardiness Rating: H1c (must be grown indoors or in a heated conservatory)


• Type: Tender Evergreen Epiphytic Fern


• Foliage: Grey-Green, Antler-Shaped Fertile Fronds with Rounded Basal Shield Fronds


• Native Origin: Tropical and Subtropical Regions of Australia, New Guinea and Southeast Asia

Notes: This is a live plant. Appearance may vary slightly from images shown as each plant is unique. Plants are dispatched in their growing containers and may require a short period to adjust to their new environment.