Staghorn Fern

Few plants command a room quite like the Staghorn Fern. With its dramatic, antler-shaped fronds that reach outward with wild, sculptural confidence, this is a plant that looks like it belongs in a design magazine — and yet it grows effortlessly in your home. Ancient, architectural, and utterly unlike anything else in the plant world, the Staghorn Fern is the statement piece that transforms a plain corner, shelf, or wall into a living work of art.

Native to the tropical rainforests of Java and southeastern Australia, the Staghorn Fern is an epiphyte — in nature, it grows on trees, anchoring itself with flat shield fronds while its spectacular forked antler fronds reach outward to catch falling leaves and moisture. The name bifurcatum means "forked" — a perfect description of the deeply divided fronds that give this plant its iconic, stag-horn silhouette. With the right care, it can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, becoming an increasingly dramatic centerpiece with every passing year.

Available in 3", 4", and 6" sizes, and your choice of nursery pot, sleek black cylinder, or elegant white cylinder — so you can find the perfect pairing for your space.

🌿 Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Platycerium bifurcatum
• Common Names: Staghorn Fern, Elkhorn Fern
• Origin: Java and southeastern Australia (tropical rainforest)
• Available Sizes: 3", 4", and 6" pots
• Pot Styles: Nursery Pot, Black Cylinder, White Cylinder
• Mature Size: Up to 31–35" tall and wide
• Growth Habit: Epiphytic — ideal for mounting, hanging, or elevated displays

✨ Why the Staghorn Fern is Unforgettable

• 🦌 Dramatic antler-shaped fronds — deeply forked, sculptural, and unlike any other houseplant
• 🎨 Living wall art — mount on wood for a stunning, gallery-worthy display
• 🌳 Ancient and extraordinary — ferns have existed for over 360 million years; this is living history in your home
• 💚 Pet-friendly — non-toxic to cats and dogs
• 💧 Low water needs — water every 1–2 weeks; thrives with minimal fuss
• 🏗️ Multiple display options — available in nursery pot, black cylinder, or white cylinder to suit any aesthetic

💡 Care Guide

👍 Light: Low to medium indirect light is ideal — replicating the dappled shade of its rainforest canopy home. A spot near a bright window with filtered light works beautifully. It tolerates lower light conditions well, though growth will be slower. Avoid harsh direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate fronds.

💧 Watering: Water every 1–2 weeks, allowing the potting medium to dry out between waterings. The best method is to soak the entire root ball in water for 10–20 minutes, then allow to drain completely before returning to its display spot. In winter, reduce frequency. The flat shield fronds at the base will naturally turn brown and papery over time — this is completely normal and healthy. Never remove the shield fronds — they protect the roots and are essential to the plant's survival.

🌱 Soil & Mounting: Staghorn Ferns thrive in a well-draining, moisture-retentive medium — sphagnum moss works beautifully. For the most dramatic display, mount on a wooden board lined with sphagnum moss, secure the root ball with fishing line, and hang on a wall. This is how Staghorn Ferns are displayed in the world's finest botanical gardens — and it's easier than it looks.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity: Thrives in temperatures of 60–80°F (15–27°C). Loves moderate humidity — mist the antler fronds regularly or place in a naturally humid room. Keep away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents.

🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply to the root area or directly to the shield fronds. Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.

🐾 Pet Safety

The Staghorn Fern is non-toxic to cats and dogs — a beautiful and safe choice for pet-friendly homes. Explore our full pet-friendly plant collection for more options.

Available in 3", 4", and 6" sizes with your choice of pot style. As a living product, slight variations in frond size and shape are natural — each Staghorn Fern is a unique, one-of-a-kind specimen!