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What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn ferns?

Jim Brown

What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn ferns?

The easiest way to distinguish between the two types of fern is that elkhorns have many plants growing together in communities and they have smaller, slender fronds. Whereas staghorns tend to grow as larger individuals. The fertile fronds have brown, rusty tips underneath, which is where they produce their spores.

What is the largest staghorn fern?

Here’s the largest Staghorn Fern I’ve ever seen! Standing an easy 8 feet high by 6 feet wide, this monstrosity of a hanging plant would dwarf even Shaquille O’Neal. The origins are listed as the Philippines, South East Asia, Indonesia, & Africa.

Is staghorn fern rare?

There are dozens of species of staghorn ferns, and until recently, they were quite rare. Now though–thanks to species native to Australia, Platycerium bifurcatum, that is relatively easy to care for and propagate–they’re increasingly popular house plants.

How large do staghorn ferns grow?

How to Grow Staghorn Fern

Botanical Name Platycerium bifurcatum
Plant Type Fern
Mature Size 2–3 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
Sun Exposure Partial shade
Soil Type Epiphytic

Do Staghorns like coffee grounds?

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns? Up-to-date gardeners know that California’s low rainfall and alkaline soil are tough on acid-loving plants. Coffee grounds act as a mulch and soil improver. Some staghorn fern owners throw banana peels on their plants.

Where are the different types of staghorn fern?

Many are tropical species, with some types of staghorn fern originating in Southeast Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands, and others native to South America or Africa. Because of this, most staghorn fern varieties do need specialized environments and care.

What kind of ferns are best to grow indoors?

According to some fern enthusiasts, Holly ferns are one of the easier types of ferns to grow indoors. Native to tropical and temperate counties, Staghorn ferns (genus Platycerium) are one of the most unusual-looking ferns. There are around 18 different species of Staghorn ferns and some of them look like stag or elk horns.

How many types of fern are there in the world?

Fern plants are a type of vascular plant that belongs to the Polypodiopsida class of plants. They are also some of the oldest plants that grow on the planet. According to some estimates, there are over 10,000 species of ferns. Unlike many other types of plants, ferns don’t produce flowers.

How tall does a fern plant grow to be?

According to some estimates, there are over 10,000 species of ferns. Unlike many other types of plants, ferns don’t produce flowers. Most fern species have leaves (called fronds) that are composed of blade-like leaves (pinnae) attached to a stem. Most indoor fern plants grow to about 1 or 2 ft. (30 – 90 cm) tall.

What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn ferns?

Jim Brown

What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn ferns?

The easiest way to distinguish between the two types of fern is that elkhorns have many plants growing together in communities and they have smaller, slender fronds. Whereas staghorns tend to grow as larger individuals. The fertile fronds have brown, rusty tips underneath, which is where they produce their spores.

How do I identify a staghorn fern?

One of the keys to identifying platycerium species is in the shape and location of the spore patches. Some are located on the tips, some in the middle of the frond, and others on lobes. Some have two spore patches, others only one spore patch. Most growers tend to over water staghorn ferns.

How do you look after elkhorns?

Elkhorn Fern Plant Care They do need regular watering, especially in dry conditions. A good soaking once a week during warm weather is needed, hold back a bit in cooler weather. Ensure that the plant is not allowed to dry out and keep moist.

What is another name for the staghorn fern?

Platycerium superbum, commonly known as the staghorn fern, is a Platycerium species of fern. It is native to Australia.

Can elkhorns grow in full sun?

In the wild, staghorn ferns grow in the nooks and crannies of trees in tropical forests. This means that they are adapted to the bright but dappled sunlight that filters down through the branches of the trees. A staghorn fern in full sun will get scorched.

How do you get rid of staghorn fern pups?

Removing staghorn fern pups is easy and has a very high success rate. Wait until the pup is at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across. Find the spot under the brown shield fronds where the pup is attached and, with a sharp knife, cut the pup away with some roots attached.

What’s the difference between a stag fern and an elk horn fern?

The easiest way to distinguish between the two types of fern is that elkhorns have many plants growing together in communities and they have smaller, slender fronds. Whereas staghorns tend to grow as larger individuals. Both species grow in warm, humid forests. The elkhorn is the tougher of the two species…

What kind of plant is an elkhorn fern?

Most of the plants in these greenhouses were huge, and one literally had to push leaves and limbs aside to walk from one end to the other. The label on my plant stated that the plant was an Elkhorn Fern. The “shop” owner said that it was a Staghorn Fern but that both names fit the plant. Keep in mind there were no computers and no Web.

What kind of plant is a staghorn fern?

Staghorns Ferns and Elkhorn Ferns are epiphytic ferns that are usually mounted onto timber such as Tree Fern, Marine Ply, Jarrah or a synthetic backing. Remember that these are epiphytic plants and do not develop large root systems. Best grown in light shade and kept moist, but not wet.

What can I do with staghorns and elkhorns?

You can use a shade house, or simply be diligent with the watering regime. Staghorns Ferns and Elkhorn Ferns are epiphytic ferns that are usually mounted onto timber such as Tree Fern, Marine Ply, Jarrah or a synthetic backing.