Fern
Staghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
Traits
Varieties We Carry
Pearls & JadePlatycerium bifurcatumStandardPlatycerium bifurcatum
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$12.95
From$69.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size2-3 feet × 2-3 feet
About Staghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum, common staghorn fern, is an epiphytic fern from Australia with two types of fronds: flat, rounded shield fronds that anchor it to trees and walls, and dramatic, antler-like fertile fronds that arch outward. Widely grown mounted on wood boards or in hanging baskets, it is one of the most distinctive and architectural plants available for tropical gardens and interiors. Starting at $12.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Bark, Organic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Staghorn ferns thrive in bright, indirect light or dappled shade — mounted under a tree canopy or on a shaded porch is ideal in NE Florida. Avoid deep shade, which promotes disease, and protect from harsh direct afternoon sun.
Water
Water by soaking the shield fronds or submerging the mount for 1–2 minutes, then allowing the mount to dry out before watering again — typically every 1–2 weeks in summer and less frequently in winter. NE Florida's humidity reduces watering frequency considerably.
Soil & Fertilizer
Mount on a wood board or in a hanging basket lined with sphagnum moss and well-draining bark mix. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced slow-release or diluted liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 at half strength).
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Common questions
Is Staghorn Fern a good plant for St. Augustine?
Staghorn Fern is a fern for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-3 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.