Platycerium Bifurcatum 

The most widely cultivated member of a genus that is itself unlike almost anything else in the fern world — Platycerium bifurcatum, the Common Staghorn Fern, is an epiphytic fern native to coastal and subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia, New Guinea, and Java, where it grows anchored to tree trunks and branches in a way that makes its relationship with conventional potting culture immediately and fundamentally incompatible. The plant produces two entirely distinct and morphologically different frond types that serve completely different functions: the shield or nest fronds, which are sterile, rounded, flat, overlapping fronds that press tightly against the mounting surface, anchoring the plant, protecting the root mass, and accumulating the falling leaf litter and organic debris that the plant depends on for nutrition in its treeside habitat; and the fertile or antler fronds, which are the dramatic, arching, deeply bifurcating fronds that give the species both its common and scientific names, growing outward from the shield fronds in silvery-green, strap-like blades that fork repeatedly in a branching, deer-antler silhouette — the undersides of mature fertile fronds covered in the brown, felt-like spore patches called sporangia that distinguish mature, healthy specimens. The silvery-grey surface quality of the fronds comes from a dense covering of star-shaped trichomes that are both functional — reducing water loss and reflecting harsh light — and extremely beautiful in the way they catch and diffuse light across the frond surface. Of all the staghorns, bifurcatum is by far the most tolerant of varied conditions, making it the ideal entry point into a genuinely addictive genus of collector ferns.

Platycerium bifurcatum is best grown mounted on a board, cork slab, or tree fern fiber panel rather than potted — the mounting surface should have a bed of sphagnum moss behind the root mass, and the plant attached with fishing line or twine until the shield fronds anchor it naturally. Provide bright indirect light to filtered direct sun; it is the most sun-tolerant staghorn in the genus and handles more light than most. Water by soaking the mount thoroughly — submerging the entire mount in water for 15-20 minutes — then allowing it to dry almost completely before the next watering; never mist the fronds regularly as this encourages rot. Never remove the brown shield fronds, which are a normal and essential part of the plant's structure. Humidity of 50-70% suits it well, and it tolerates lower humidity than most other Platycerium species. Feed by tucking banana peels, compost, or slow-release fertilizer behind the shield fronds, or by adding diluted liquid fertilizer to the soaking water monthly. Non-toxic to humans and pets.

Multiple ferns per 8" basket, frond length will vary between plants and not all plants will be the same size. Fronds average 6-12".