Care of the indoor plant Platycerium alcicorne or Staghorn Fern |
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The genus Platycerium, family Polypodiaceae, includes 17 species of ferns native to New Guinea, Australia, Southeast Asia, Madagascar, South America, and Africa. Some species are: Platycerium alcicorne, Platycerium bifurcatum, Platycerium grande, Platycerium superbum, Platycerium hillii. Common name: Staghorn Fern. This species is native to Mozambique and Madagascar. They are epiphytic ferns that reach 80 cm (31.49") in height and 90 cm (35.43") in diameter. They have 2 types of leaves: the horizontal and wide ones that allow it to cling to the branches of the trees and those that hang vertically that look like the horns of the elk. The leaves are covered in a waxy coating that prevents the evaporation of water. They do not produce flowers. It's very important not to remove the waxy layer from the leaves thinking that the fern is dirty. Platycerium alcicorne is used as indoor and greenhouse plants. It can be grown in summer outdoors in damp moss on walls and trees. Staghorn Fern needs high humidity in the growing season but the leaves do not have to be sprayed directly because they can rot. Water with lime-free water frequently in spring and summer and moderate watering in winter. If it's grown in a pot it's convenient to immerse it 30 minutes in lime-free water once a week in summer. Platycerium alcicorne needs a semi-shade or shade exposure, always avoiding direct sun. It does not resist temperatures 15 ºC (59 ºF). It's a delicate plant that does not resist direct sun or the dry heat of heating. The soil can be a mixture of leaf mulch, sphagnum, and peat. In case of transplantation, it's done in spring. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with liquid fertilizer at half the usual dose. Platycerium alcicorne does not need pruning. Staghorn Fern can be attacked by mites and mealybugs if it suffers from drought; avoid drafts and sudden changes in temperature. Platycerium alcicorne is propagated by separating suckers planted in peat in a warm and very humid environment. |
Images of the indoor plant Platycerium alcicorne or Staghorn Fern |
 Platycerium alcicorne  Platycerium alcicorne |