Botanical name: XL Platycerium Bifurcatum
Commonly known as: Staghorn Fern
The XL Platycerium bifurcatum is the quintessential staghorn fern — resilient, textural, and endlessly elegant. Mounted on a 40 × 40 cm treated board, these XL specimens are mature, full, and ready to display. The distinctive antler-shaped fronds create a sculptural silhouette that adds natural drama to any wall.
Native to Australia and parts of Southeast Asia, this fern grows epiphytically on trees, absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air. When mounted, it behaves the same way — low-maintenance, long-lived, and increasingly beautiful with time.
Being epiphytic (not parasitic), they use trees/mounts only for support, and not as nutrients.
XL Platycerium Bifurcatum Care Tips
💧 Watering – How often should I water a mounted Platycerium bifurcatum?
Water once a week in warm weather, and every 10–14 days in cooler months. Take the board down and soak the moss pad thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain before rehanging. Misting between soakings keeps humidity stable and helps prevent the shield fronds from drying out.
☀️ Light – Where should I hang my staghorn fern?
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Morning sun or filtered light under a patio roof keeps the fronds green and healthy. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch the delicate fertile fronds. Indoors, an east- or north-facing wall is perfect.
💨 Humidity – Does the Platycerium bifurcatum need high humidity?
Moderate household humidity suits it well, but it thrives in slightly more humid spots such as bathrooms with a north facing window or shaded patios. If the air is very dry, a light mist every few days helps maintain leaf health. These plants generally do much better outside.
🌱 Mounting & Substrate – What’s inside the board mount?
Each fern is secured onto a 40 × 40cm treated wooden board using a bed of sphagnum moss. Over time, its shield fronds will expand to cover the mounting surface, creating a self-sustaining living display. The treated timber ensures longevity and resists decay.
🌿 Feeding – How should I fertilise my mounted staghorn fern?
Feed monthly in spring and summer out Organic Fertiliser or a mild seaweed-based tonic. You can also tuck a small amount of Controlled Release Fertiliser into the moss pad for slow, steady nutrition. Pause feeding in winter when growth slows.
🪴 Repotting – Does a mounted Platycerium need remounting?
Not often. These XL plants can stay on their current mount for years. If they eventually outgrow the board, simply remount onto a larger one..
🐛 Pests – What pests should I watch for?
Occasionally, scale insects or mealybugs may appear on the underside of fronds. Wipe affected areas gently and treat with an insecticidal spray. Keep leaves dust-free to discourage pests.
🌡️ Temperature – What’s the best temperature range?
They prefer 18 °C – 28 °C. Protect from frost, very dry heat, and cold drafts. In steady indoor or patio conditions, they remain evergreen and vigorous all year.
Platycerium Bifurcatum ‘s need bright light and a good amount of air flow. They can tolerate some sun (preferably early morning) or dappled sunlight. Direct sunlight can burn the fronds and dehydrate the plant.
Platyceriums require frequent watering (especially if they are in a hot area) but it is VERY important to let them dry out completely between watering as the can be prone to rot.
In the colder months, hold back on watering too often as the cold of night can freeze the fronds which will lead to rot. A good rule of thumb in winter is to water them during the warmest part of the day and let them dry out giving them two, sometimes three weeks.
A good way to check is to stick your finger between the coir to test if the root ball is still moist being careful not snap the cord.
Platyceriums do very well in humid areas – so consider give them gentle sprays (spritzing them with water) when it is hot to increase the humidity around them.
It’s important to fertilize your Staghorn with a water soluble fertilizer like Grobest at least once a month. This helps stimulates growth and will keep them in a tip top shape.
FAQ’s
Q: What’s the difference between Platycerium bifurcatum and superbum?
Bifurcatum produces multiple rosettes and branched fronds, while superbum forms a single crown with broader, dramatic antlers.
Q: Can I hang this fern indoors?
Yes — it thrives indoors in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity but does much better outside.
Q: How do I water a mounted staghorn without making a mess?
Take it down, soak it thoroughly in a basin or outside, let it drain, and then hang it back up.
Q: Will it damage my wall?
No. The treated board and good drainage prevent moisture issues — just let it dry before rehanging.
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