- New
Platycerium bifurcatum fern
€19.00
Tax included
A true canopy fern: Platycerium bifurcatum develops long branching antler-shaped fronds while its basal shield fronds gradually wrap around the support. Mounted on natural roots or cork, it brings vegetation into the upper levels of a terrarium and instantly creates the impression of a mature tropical forest.
Security policy
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back
Free shipping on orders over €59
Delivery throughout Europe in 48 hours.
Description
Platycerium bifurcatum, commonly known as the Staghorn Fern, is a spectacular epiphytic fern recognised by its long green fronds that repeatedly divide into antler-like segments.
Highly architectural, it is especially well suited to mounted cultivation on cork, natural roots, planted panels and vertical backgrounds. In spacious tropical terrariums, paludariums and greenhouses, it instantly creates the atmosphere of a humid forest canopy.
Botanical family
Polypodiaceae
Genus
Platycerium
Species
Platycerium bifurcatum (Cav.) C.Chr.
Common name
Staghorn Fern
Origin
Platycerium bifurcatum is native to eastern Australia and several islands of the south-western Pacific, including New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.
In nature it grows as an epiphyte attached to tree trunks and branches.
Two types of fronds
Platycerium bifurcatum produces two distinctly different types of fronds.
The basal fronds are rounded and press closely against the support, gradually forming a protective shield around the rhizome while trapping moisture and organic debris.
The fertile fronds are longer and eventually divide into multiple antler-like segments.
Basal fronds
Basal fronds naturally turn brown as they age. This is a normal part of the plant's development and does not indicate poor health.
They should generally be left in place because they continue to protect the rhizome and root system.
Growth habit
Platycerium bifurcatum has a naturally epiphytic growth habit and gradually develops a mass of fronds around its support.
Mature specimens can become substantial, producing numerous bifurcated fronds and an impressive cascading silhouette.
Terrarium compatibility
- Large tropical terrarium: Yes
- Bioactive terrarium: Yes
- Paludarium: Yes, emerged section
- Epiphytic cultivation: Excellent
- Cork mounting: Excellent
- Natural root mounting: Excellent
- Vertical background: Excellent
- Nano terrarium: Not suitable long term
- Submerged cultivation: No
Epiphytic cultivation
This species is particularly well suited to mounting directly onto cork panels, natural roots or vertical structures.
The rhizome can be positioned in a small amount of sphagnum moss or fibrous substrate secured against the support before gradually being covered by the developing basal fronds.
Recommended substrate
When grown in a container, use an extremely aerated mix containing sphagnum moss, bark, coco chips and perlite.
The roots should never remain in dense or permanently waterlogged substrate.
Watering
Allow the growing medium or mounting material to begin drying slightly between waterings.
Mounted plants can be thoroughly soaked before being allowed to drain and partially dry again.
Avoid keeping the centre of the plant permanently saturated.
Humidity
Humidity of approximately 60% to 85% is particularly suitable.
High humidity should always be combined with good airflow, especially in enclosed terrariums.
Temperature
Ideal growing temperature: approximately 18°C to 28°C.
Platycerium bifurcatum is relatively tolerant but prolonged cold conditions are best avoided.
Light
This fern prefers medium to bright filtered light.
Good lighting encourages compact, strongly divided fronds. Avoid harsh direct sunlight through glass.
Growth
Moderate growth. Under suitable conditions the plant gradually produces new basal shields followed by long fertile antler-like fronds.
Reproduction
Like all ferns, Platycerium bifurcatum does not produce flowers or seeds. It reproduces naturally through spores.
Mature plants may also produce offsets that can be separated for vegetative propagation.
Maintenance
Do not automatically remove basal fronds when they turn brown, as this is a natural process and they continue to protect the rhizome.
Only remove fertile fronds once they are completely dead or damaged.
Fertilisation
Use a very dilute tropical or epiphytic plant fertiliser during active growth.
Light regular feeding is preferable to concentrated fertilisation.
Why choose Platycerium bifurcatum?
With its dramatic antler-shaped fronds, Platycerium bifurcatum can transform a simple root or cork background into a convincing tropical forest feature.
Its epiphytic growth allows you to plant the upper levels of a terrarium while leaving valuable floor space available for Begonia, Fittonia, mosses and smaller ferns.
JungleBox advice
For the most natural effect, mount your Platycerium on a substantial cork panel or natural root with a small pocket of sphagnum around the rhizome. Position it high in a bright, well-ventilated area so the antler-shaped fronds can hang freely.
Additional information
- Botanical name: Platycerium bifurcatum
- Common name: Staghorn Fern
- Family: Polypodiaceae
- Origin: Eastern Australia, New Caledonia and south-west Pacific islands
- Type: Epiphytic fern
- Foliage: Deeply bifurcated green fronds
- Distinctive feature: Basal shield fronds and fertile antler-shaped fronds
- Growth habit: Epiphytic, upright to cascading
- Exposure: Medium to bright filtered light
- Support: Cork, natural roots, planted panels
- Substrate: Highly aerated and free-draining
- Humidity: 60 to 85%
- Temperature: 18 to 28°C
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Mounted cultivation: Excellent
- Large tropical terrarium compatible: Yes
- Bioactive terrarium compatible: Yes
- Paludarium compatible: Yes, emerged section
- Submerged cultivation: No
Specific References
- MPN
- JBOX-PLATYCERIUM-BIFURCATUM
You might also like
Comments (0)
16 other products in the same category:
A true canopy fern: Platycerium bifurcatum develops long branching antler-shaped fronds while its basal shield fronds gradually wrap around the support. Mounted on natural roots or cork, it brings vegetation into the upper levels of a terrarium and instantly creates the impression of a mature tropical forest.