Description: This fern is an epiphyte forming enormous foliage clumps on trees. Plants reproduce from the original. Some fronds have brown spore forming on the underside. Similar to the Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) but with long pendulous divided leaves to 2m.
Conditions: Elkhorns and staghorns are natives that live naturally up in trees in the rainforest, so you need to re-create these sorts of conditions to grow them successfully. Light shade and plenty of free-draining moisture are the number one requirements.
How to grow: They can be mounted on hardwood board and then hung onto the house of fence, or onto a tree with permanent bark. Mount the elkhorn or stag onto a board and anchor it with soft ties or fishing line. Large elks and stags can be supported on a sling made from wire threaded through a piece of plastic hose and firmly attached at either side.
Troubleshooting: Watch for scale insects and the holes caused by staghorn beetles. Spray and drench with Confidor.
Feeding: Feed very lightly with organic liquid fertiliser, tea or coffee grinds.
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