High Quality Platycerium Ferns For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Platycerium Ferns

Growing ferns in your garden and indoor space delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact
• They purify the air
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the right Staghorn Fern for your space. Our ferns have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Platycerium, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Platycerium

1. How fast does an elkhorn fern grow?

Elk-horn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) are epiphytic ferns, which means they grow on other plants for support but do not get food, minerals, or water from the host plant. They are slow-growing plants, typically taking 10 to 20 years to reach maturity.

Elk-horn ferns have two types of fronds: the basal fronds, which are broad and heart-shaped, and the antler fronds, which are long and slender. The basal fronds attach the fern to its host plant and help to store water and nutrients. The antler fronds are responsible for photosynthesis and produce spores for reproduction.

2. What is the difference between elkhorn fern and staghorn fern?

Elk-horn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) and staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) are both epiphytic ferns, which means they grow on other plants for support. They are both native to tropical forests and share many similarities, but there are a few key differences between the two species.

• The most obvious difference between elk-horn ferns and staghorn ferns is the shape of their fronds. Elk-horn ferns have broad, heart-shaped fronds that are divided into lobes, resembling an elk's antlers. Staghorn ferns, on the other hand, have more elongated and pointed fronds that are not as deeply lobed.
• The texture of the fronds also differs between the two species. Elk-horn ferns have smooth, leathery fronds, while staghorn ferns have slightly fuzzy or felt-like fronds.
• Elk-horn ferns and staghorn ferns both produce spores for reproduction, but the location of the spores differs. Elk-horn ferns produce spores on the undersides of their fertile fronds, while staghorn ferns produce spores on the tips of their fertile fronds.
• Elk-horn ferns typically grow in a more compact form, with their fronds forming a rosette shape. Staghorn ferns, on the other hand, can have a more spreading growth habit, with their fronds extending outwards in a more open manner.
• Both elk-horn ferns and staghorn ferns are found in tropical forests, but they may have slightly different habitat preferences. Elk-horn ferns are more commonly found in lower light conditions, while staghorn ferns can tolerate some direct sunlight.
• Both elk-horn ferns and staghorn ferns are relatively easy to care for as houseplants. They prefer warm, humid conditions and need bright, indirect light. They should be watered regularly, but the soil should not be allowed to remain soggy.

3. What is the best way to grow elkhorn fern?

Elkhorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) are epiphytic ferns, meaning they grow on other plants for support but do not receive food, minerals, or water from the host plant. They are native to tropical rainforests, where they grow on trees, rocks, and other vertical surfaces.

• Elkhorn ferns need a sturdy support to attach themselves to. You can mount them on a piece of bark, wood, or even a plastic or ceramic pot. The surface should be rough and porous to allow the fern's roots to anchor themselves.
• There are several methods for attaching an elkhorn fern to its mounting surface. One common method is to use wire or metal bands to secure the fern's base to the surface. You can also use a sphagnum moss and coir fiber mix to create a nest for the fern's roots.
• Elkhorn ferns prefer moist, humid conditions. Water the fern regularly, especially during the dry season, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. To maintain humidity, you can mist the fern regularly or place it on a pebble tray filled with water.
• Elkhorn ferns prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their fronds. In low-light conditions, you may need to supplement with artificial grow lights.
• Elkhorn ferns thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) as this can damage their fronds.
• Elkhorn ferns don't require heavy feeding. A balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength can be applied every few months during the growing season.
• Elkhorn ferns don't need to be repotted frequently. As the fern grows, you may need to move it to a larger mounting surface.
• Elkhorn ferns can be propagated by division. Carefully divide the fern into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a healthy root system. Mount the divided sections onto separate surfaces and care for them as you would mature plants.

4. What kind of soil do elkhorn ferns like?

Elkhorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) are epiphytic ferns, which means they grow on other plants for support and do not require soil. They obtain their nutrients and moisture from the air and rainwater. However, if you are mounting an elkhorn fern on a piece of bark or wood, you will need to provide a small amount of potting mix to help the fern's roots anchor themselves to the surface.

Some suitable potting mixes for elkhorn ferns:

• Sphagnum moss and coir fiber mix: This is a common and effective potting mix for elkhorn ferns. The sphagnum moss provides moisture retention, while the coir fiber provides aeration.
• Orchid bark mix: This mix is also suitable for elkhorn ferns, as it provides good drainage and aeration.