Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum), or Elkhorn Fern, is a striking epiphyte whose fronds fork and branch like a stag's antlers. Native to Java and Australia, it can grow large and is often mounted on wood for a living-wall display. ✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Carefully Packed Live Plant · ✓ Ships Across the Continental U.S. · ✓ 48-Hour Live-Arrival GuaranteeNatural variation expected with live plants Botanical Label Common name: Staghorn Fern Botanical name: Platycerium bifurcatum Pot size: 3", 4" or 6" nursery pot (choose at checkout) Light: Bright-indirect to medium; tolerates lower light; no direct sun Water: whenever the top of the soil starts to dry — keep it consistently, evenly moist (never bone-dry). Difficulty: Moderate — mainly about keeping humidity up and the soil from drying out. Growth style: Clumping plant with arching (sometimes trailing) fronds. Mature size: Stays a compact-to-medium plant — mature size can vary by growing conditions. Lifespan: Can live for many years with regular care — varies by growing conditions. Pet safety: Pet-friendly — most true ferns are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). As with any plant, discourage pets from nibbling. Best for: Bright bathrooms, kitchens, shaded shelves, and hanging baskets. Vibe/personality: Lush, feathery, woodland-tropical foliage. Curator's Note: Staghorn Fern brings soft, woodland texture indoors — feathery fronds that add a calm, green freshness to a bright, humid corner. It's the kind of plant that makes a space feel alive and lush. Related Plants You'll Love 'Autumn' Fern 'Korean Rock' Fern Austral Gem Fern Bird's Nest 'Leslie' Fern Browse all Ferns → Why It Belongs in Your Collection Lush, feathery fronds that soften any space Thrives in the humidity of bright bathrooms and kitchens Adds a fresh, woodland-tropical feel Stays a manageable size for shelves and stands Beautiful trailing or arching shape Care Notes from the Greenhouse Light: Bright, indirect to medium light is ideal — keep Staghorn Fern out of direct sun, which scorches the fronds. Many ferns also tolerate lower indirect light. Watering: Keep the soil consistently, evenly moist — ferns are thirsty and their fronds crisp up if they dry out. Don't let it sit in water, though, and ease off a little in winter. Humidity: Ferns love high humidity — dry air causes brown, crispy frond edges. A bright bathroom, a pebble tray, or a humidifier is ideal. Temperature: Warm, steady room temperatures (about 65–80°F). Keep it away from cold drafts and hot, dry vents. Soil: A rich, moisture-retentive but well-draining potting mix (peat- or coco-based). Fertilizer: Feed lightly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer; pause in winter. Pruning: Trim off brown or tired fronds at the base to keep it fresh and full. Care tip: Crispy fronds usually mean the air is too dry or the soil dried out — raise humidity and keep it evenly moist. Best Display Spots Bright bathroom: the humidity keeps its fronds lush (with indirect light). Kitchen shelf or counter: bright, indirect light and a little extra moisture. Shaded shelf or plant stand: happy out of direct sun. Hanging basket: shows off arching or trailing fronds. Grouped with other plants: raises humidity and looks lush. Best For / Think Twice If Best for: Fern fans and lovers of soft, leafy texture Humid spots like bright bathrooms and kitchens Shadier corners with indirect light Think twice if: Very dry-air rooms (without added humidity) — fronds go crispy Spots with harsh, direct sun People who tend to forget watering — ferns dislike drying out Anyone wanting a totally hands-off plant Botanical Exhibit Notes Ferns are ancient plants — they were thriving long before flowering plants and even the dinosaurs. Instead of flowers and seeds, ferns reproduce by spores, often carried on the undersides of their fronds. They evolved on shady, humid forest floors, which is why they prefer indirect light and steady moisture. Most true ferns are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), so they're a popular pet-friendly choice. Staghorn Fern is grown for its lush, distinctive fronds that bring soft texture indoors. From Our Greenhouse to Your Home Florida Plant ships across the continental U.S. Your plant ships from Florida and California, USA, carefully packed in its nursery pot with soil unless noted. Orders dispatch within 1–4 business days, early in the week so plants don't sit over a weekend in transit. During cold weather, orders to colder areas are sent with a heat pack, and we may hold delivery to very cold areas until it's safe to ship. Every plant is backed by our 48-hour live-arrival guarantee — contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos if there's an issue. Because this is a live plant, each one is unique — size, fullness, color, and shape vary naturally, and minor cosmetic imperfections can happen. Give your plant a little time to settle in after it arrives. Plant Questions, Answered How often should I water Staghorn Fern?Water whenever the top of the soil starts to dry — keep it consistently, evenly moist (never bone-dry). It prefers to dry out a little between waterings rather than stay soggy. What kind of light does Staghorn Fern need?Bright, indirect to medium light is ideal — keep Staghorn Fern out of direct sun, which scorches the fronds. Many ferns also tolerate lower indirect light. Is Staghorn Fern pet safe?Yes — most true ferns are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), making Staghorn Fern a popular pet-friendly choice. As with any plant, discourage pets from chewing the fronds. Why does my Staghorn Fern have brown, crispy fronds?Usually dry air or the soil drying out. Raise humidity (a bright bathroom, pebble tray, or humidifier), keep the soil evenly moist, and trim the crispy fronds at the base.
