Discover the Elkhorn Fern

Specimen of Platycerium superbum, the elkhorn fern

Ferns are plants that look great wherever they are, as long as they are protected from direct sun. They like bright environments, with high humidity and mild temperatures, especially our protagonist. Known as Elk horns, is one of the most decorative. It is so much so that we might well think that it is an artificial plant.

But no, let's be fooled: it's about the species Platycerium superbum, what grows naturally in the rainforests of Australia and you can also do it at home.

Origin and characteristics of the elkhorn fern

It's a epiphytic fern, which grows on the branches of trees, native to Australia, specifically New South Wales, northern Nabiac and Queensland, whose scientific name is Platycerium superbum. It is made up of fertile fronds between 75 and 160cm long, hanging and divided into 4-6 times. The upper part is wedge-shaped, green for several years until it turns brown and has a texture similar to that of paper.

Its growth rate is rather slow, something that comes from pearls to know because we can transplant it every 2-3 years, instead of every year as required by other species of ferns.

What care do you need?

Detail of the fronde of the elkhorn fern

If you are really liking this fern and you are going to get a specimen, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

  • Location: indoors, in a very bright room. If you live in an area with a mild climate or without frost, you can have it outside, in a corner where the sunlight does not reach directly.
  • Soil or substrate: it must have good drainage and be rich in organic matter.
  • Irrigation: 3-4 times a week in summer and a little less the rest of the year.
  • Subscriber: highly advisable to fertilize it from spring to late summer with liquid organic fertilizers, such as guano, following the instructions specified on the package.
  • Transplant: every 2-3 years, in spring.
  • Rusticity: does not support frost.

What did you think of the elkhorn fern?


8 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Andrea said

    Hello, good morning, I am Andrea, I have a platycerium superbum and I noticed that brown spots appeared on the leaves because it could be and how I solve it I am from bs. As. Argentina, I would appreciate it if you could help me .... Thank you very much

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Andrea.
      It might be overwatering.
      Do you spray / spray it? If so, I recommend you stop doing it because what it does is rot the leaves.

      I advise you to space the waterings and treat it with fungicide.

      A greeting.

  2.   Ena said

    Hello, my name is Ena. I live in Costa Rica and I would like to know if I can get spores somewhere, I am very interested in growing them, I love those plants.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Ena.
      From experience, I will tell you that it is easier to get already grown plants 🙂 These are sold in nurseries or online stores.
      A greeting.

  3.   Milena said

    Hello, my name is Milena and I have an elk horn more or less than 20 years old, we moved recently and no matter how much I water, I compost the leaves, the leaves are falling and when they are about to fall they get very soft I do not know and with yellow spots, please we need help, we do not want to lose this plant that is very beautiful

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello Milena.
      I recommend watering only when necessary, that is, about 3 times in summer and a little less the rest of the year, otherwise the roots will rot.

      It is also convenient to treat it with a fungicide, to control and minimize the risk of fungal infection. And do not fertilize it, because being sick its roots could burn.

      A greeting.

  4.   Monica said

    Hello good afternoon, I just bought a maple horn ferns in the market and the truth is I am happy, with everything I read here I hope you are comfortable in my house and grow beautiful… a hug from Argentina… AtteMonica

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Enjoy it 🙂