About Staghorn Fern
A spectacular epiphytic fern with two types of fronds: flat, shield-like basal fronds that anchor the plant to trees or mounts, and dramatic, forked antler-shaped fertile fronds that extend outward like deer antlers. Mounted on wooden boards or grown on tree trunks, it creates a living sculptural display that has made it a showpiece plant among Filipino collectors and interior designers. Staghorn Fern belongs to the Polypodiaceae family and originates from Australia, Southeast Asia, and tropical Africa; naturalized in many tropical regions including parts of the Philippines..
Staghorn Fern has a long history in Filipino gardening — older homes in Manila, Baguio, and the provinces often have large specimens mounted on trees or garden walls, sometimes decades old. Platycerium grande is actually native to the Philippines and can be found growing on trees in forests across Luzon and the Visayas. Mounted Staghorn Ferns are a trendy wall-decor item in modern Filipino homes and cafes — Instagram-worthy and naturally artistic. Available at Quezon Avenue nurseries, Marikina plant markets, and specialty sellers for PHP 300-2,000. Mounting on coconut husk or driftwood from Dapitan Arcade is a popular DIY project in Filipino plant communities.
Also known as: Elkhorn Fern, Platycerium.
Popular Varieties
- Platycerium bifurcatum (most common and easiest — classic staghorn shape)
- Platycerium superbum (Moosehorn Fern — massive, spectacular single crown form)
- Platycerium grande (Regal Elkhorn — native to the Philippines, very large)
- Platycerium coronarium (Crown Staghorn — rare, basket-forming species found in Southeast Asia)
How to Plant Staghorn Fern in the Philippines
Staghorn Fern can be propagated through pups (offsets), spores. The recommended method is separating pups from a mature plant.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Locate a pup growing from the side of the mother plant — it should have its own small shield frond and at least one antler frond.
- Step 2: Carefully pry the pup away from the mount or mother plant using a clean knife, keeping as many roots intact as possible.
- Step 3: Prepare a new mount: a wooden board, coconut husk, or tree fern slab lined with damp sphagnum moss.
- Step 4: Press the pup's root base against the sphagnum moss and secure with fishing line, wire, or nylon stocking strips.
- Step 5: Keep moist by misting daily and hang in a shaded, humid spot — new shield fronds will grow to anchor the plant within 2-3 months.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light to dappled shade; mimics its natural habitat under tree canopies. Some morning sun is fine, but avoid hot afternoon sun.. Position your staghorn fern where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Soak the root ball and sphagnum moss thoroughly once a week by dunking or running water through it for several minutes. Allow to dry slightly between waterings. In Manila's hot, dry season, soak twice a week. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 20-35°C (well-suited to Metro Manila's year-round warmth). Moderate to high — Manila's humidity is ideal. Mist the fronds in unusually dry or air-conditioned environments. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing staghorn fern outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at half strength, applied to the root area monthly during the growing season. Or place a small amount of slow-release fertilizer behind the shield frond.
Pruning
Never remove the brown shield fronds — they protect the roots and absorb nutrients. Only trim dead antler fronds that have completely dried up.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for homes with children and animals.
Common Problems & Solutions
Black spots on fronds
Cause: Overwatering, poor air circulation, or fungal infection
Solution: Reduce watering and improve airflow around the plant. Remove severely affected fronds. Ensure the mount allows water to drain freely.
Brown, dry antler fronds
Cause: Underwatering or too much direct sun
Solution: Increase soaking frequency. Move to a shadier location. Trim completely dead fronds.
White, fuzzy coating on fronds
Cause: Natural — this is the trichome layer that protects the fronds. Not a pest.
Solution: Do not wipe it off. Avoid touching the fronds excessively — the trichomes help the plant absorb moisture and block UV light.
Shield frond peeling away from mount
Cause: Mount deteriorating or insufficient anchoring
Solution: Re-secure with fresh fishing line. Replace the mount if the wood has rotted through. Add fresh sphagnum moss behind the shield frond.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Staghorn Fern in the Philippines?
Staghorn Fern needs bright indirect light to dappled shade; mimics its natural habitat under tree canopies. some morning sun is fine, but avoid hot afternoon sun.. Water soak the root ball and sphagnum moss thoroughly once a week by dunking or running water through it for several minutes. allow to dry slightly between waterings. in manila's hot, dry season, soak twice a week.. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at half strength, applied to the root area monthly during the growing season. or place a small amount of slow-release fertilizer behind the shield frond.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 20-35°C (well-suited to Metro Manila's year-round warmth) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Staghorn Fern?
The recommended method is separating pups from a mature plant. Locate a pup growing from the side of the mother plant — it should have its own small shield frond and at least one antler frond. Carefully pry the pup away from the mount or mother plant using a clean knife, keeping as many roots intact as possible.
Is Staghorn Fern toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for homes with children and animals.
Can Staghorn Fern grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Staghorn Fern grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Staghorn Fern?
Common issues include: Black spots on fronds (caused by overwatering, poor air circulation, or fungal infection — reduce watering and improve airflow around the plant. remove severely affected fronds. ensure the mount allows water to drain freely); Brown, dry antler fronds (caused by underwatering or too much direct sun — increase soaking frequency. move to a shadier location. trim completely dead fronds); White, fuzzy coating on fronds (caused by natural — this is the trichome layer that protects the fronds. not a pest. — do not wipe it off. avoid touching the fronds excessively — the trichomes help the plant absorb moisture and block uv light).
Growing staghorn fern in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!