Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Pearls & Jade · Standard
We received some Staghorn Fern on Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Pet toxicity: Non-toxic to dogs and cats
Pet safety guideAbout 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.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Bark, Organic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October.
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
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 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.
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).
Similar needs
Blue Star Fern
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, organic, and zone 9a hardiness.
Arrowhead Plant
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Heartleaf Philodendron
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, organic, and zone 9a hardiness.
Orchid Cactus
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, organic, and zone 9a hardiness.
Halberdleaf Rosemallow
Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, organic, and zone 9a hardiness.
Hazel Alder
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Common questions
Is Staghorn Fern a good plant for St. Augustine?
Staghorn Fern is a fern. Mature size: 2-3 feet × 2-3 feet. Light: Part Sun, Part Shade. Water needs: Moderate. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.
What is the recorded pet toxicity for Staghorn Fern?
Non-toxic to dogs and cats
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.