Staghorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
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.
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
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.
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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.