Is a staghorn fern Platycerium bifurcatum netherlands?
Platycerium bifurcatum ‘Netherlands’, or Staghorn Fern, is an epiphytic, pre-historic-looking fern with evergreen, pale-green, broad fronds and forked tips. A great choice for a houseplant! Also good for mounting on trees and walls, or in wooded or wired baskets. Don’t let it dry out and protect it from frost. Platycerium is a genus of about 18 fern species in the polypod family, Polypodiaceae. Ferns in this genus are widely known as staghorn or elkhorn ferns due to their uniquely shaped fronds.Platycerium bifurcatum ‘Netherlands’, or Staghorn Fern, is an epiphytic, pre-historic-looking fern with evergreen, pale-green, broad fronds and forked tips. A great choice for a houseplant! Also good for mounting on trees and walls, or in wooded or wired baskets. Don’t let it dry out and protect it from frost.Staghorn ferns command high prices because they combine slow growth, specialized mounting and care needs, limited commercial propagation, and strong decorative demand that makes mature, display-ready specimens rare and valuable.Staghorn Fern Hillii (Platycerium hillii) This rare and hard-to-find Staghorn Fern Hillii becomes a commanding presence as it ages. The sterile fronds or shields are somewhat rounded, and it pups freely making for a spectacular display.
Is Platycerium bifurcatum hard to grow?
However, Platycerium bifurcatum and Platycerium veitchii can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F. While some species of staghorn fern can be a bit difficult to care for, these two species are low-maintenance and commonly grown. Planting & Growing When grown indoors, Staghorn Fern can be expected to grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.Your Staghorn Fern will need water about once a week in the summer months and less frequently during the winter; approximately once every 2 to 3 weeks. For best results, water your Staghorn Fern through the roots.Wire or mesh baskets are well-suited for growing staghorn ferns, but you actually can grow one in a standard pot. Fill the pot with a loose, well-drained potting mixture: preferably something like shredded pine bark, sphagnum moss, or similar. Be sure to repot when the plant gets crowded.Feeding Staghorn Fern Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted in the basin you use for watering. An NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is the recommended formula.These tropical plants need good air circulation, bright indirect light, warm temperatures, moderate humidity and consistent moisture. Staghorn ferns absorb water through their fronds as well as the roots so be sure to soak the basal fronds and the medium.
Is Platycerium bifurcatum rare?
Staghorn Fern – Live Plant in a 4 Inch Pot – Platycerium Bifurcatum – Extremely Rare and Exotic Ferns from Florida. Staghorn ferns look very much like deer or elk antlers, hence their unusual name. Place the staghorn fern in a humid room (such as a bathroom) or increase humidity around the plant. Fertilize monthly to promote healthy growth. Do not wipe away the white, dust-like material from the fronds of your fern. This material protects the fern from direct, harsh sunlight and drought.Staghorn fern, known for its antler-like fronds, requires minimal pruning. Focus on removing dead or damaged fronds in early to mid-spring to enhance growth and health. Avoid over-pruning as it can stress the plant. Pruning also helps improve air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.Steps To Care For Ferns in Winter Step 1- Trim the fern, focusing on the large fronds on the outside of the pot. Step 2- Spray off the plant to remove loose pieces of plant and unwanted pests. Step 3- Place the container in a sunny southern facing window. Step 4- Water to keep the soil moist but not soggy.Small staghorn fern plants are oftentimes hung from tree limbs or porches in wire baskets. Sphagnum moss is placed in the basket and no soil or potting medium is used. In time, a happy staghorn fern plant will produce pups that may cover the whole basket structure.