Staghorn ferns have become a popular houseplant in recent years. There are many different staghorn fern varieties to choose from, with a range of fronds types and sizes, which should suit any home or office space.
What is a staghorn fern?
Staghorn ferns are a type of fern that has long growing shoots, which are used to search for light, water and nutrients. The staghorn fern will grow rapidly as they search for these things. They have made a popular addition to offices as they can grow and reach hanging baskets or water bowls. There are some varieties that will grow on a shelf.
Here is a list of the top 10 staghorn ferns varieties that will suit your needs.
1. Platycerium coronarium, ‘Staghorn Fern’
This staghorn fern variety is often called the Stag’s Horn Fern.
Native to Australia, it can be found in humid rain forests and tropical areas, where it is native to the Northern Territory and Queensland.
The fronds of this plant can reach a size of 2m. (7ft) in length. They do not taper at the base, but are shaped like antlers or fans that blend into each other along a stalk.
There are a range of different colours and shades, with gold being the most common. However, there is also a green variety as well. This plant can be grown on a shelf or hanging basket.
This plant is known for growing at an almost vertical angle from the ceiling.
2. Platycerium alcicorne
This staghorn fern variety is also known as the Fishbone Fern or Sword Fern.
It can be found in the rain forests of Southeast Asia and is usually grown on a shelf or hanging basket.
The largest leaves are 2m (6.5ft) long and come from the top of a single stalk, which is shaped like an antler. The fronds start growing from the centre and radiate outwards. This fern is often used for decorative purposes.
This plant is known for its ability to climb large trees.
3. Platycerium bifurcatum, ‘Angel Wing Fern’ and ‘Basket Fern’
This staghorn fern variety can be found in Northern Queensland and Australia, with the latter being more common in the United States and Canada.
It is often grown as an indoor plant in the form of a basket, which is why it has become known as the Basket Fern. The fronds grow from the top of a single stalk and are branched at the ends.
The fronds can reach 90cm (3ft) in length and come from the top of a stem, which is covered with brown scales. They attach to each other at their edges and this shape makes them look like angel’s wings or bird’s foot prints.
This plant can grow in a humid environment or it can be positioned in a spot where it gets light and water, but no direct sunlight.
4. Platycerium superbum (The Great Staghorn Fern)
The Great Staghorn Fern is one of the three most cultivated staghorn fern varieties. It is often grown on a shelf or hanging basket from New Zealand to Northern Queensland, where it grows wild in forests.
This staghorn fern variety is often known as the ‘Great Staghorn Fern’. It has a thick stem, which can grow to be 2m (6.5ft) in length and is covered with scales that are coloured brown or black.
The fronds of the staghorn fern are large and can be found growing from the top of a single tall stem, which comes from the centre of each leaf and is shaped like an antler or fan.
5. Platycerium andinum, ‘American Staghorn Fern’
Native to the United States, this staghorn fern variety can be found in the rain forests of east Tennessee and Georgia.
It is often grown on a shelf or hanging basket, which is why it is also known as the American Staghorn Fern. The fronds are long and reach 3m (10ft) in length and they grow from the centre of a single stem, which is covered with scales that are coloured black or brown.
The fronds have a shape similar to an antler or fan.
6. Platycerium bifurcatum, ‘Chocolate Staghorn Fern’
This staghorn fern variety, also known as the Wavy Staghorn Fern and Chocolate Staghorn Fern, can be found in United States and Canada. This plant is commonly grown in hanging baskets or on a shelf.
The fronds are long and can reach 3m (10ft) in length and they grow from the top of a stem, which is covered with brown scales.
The fronds come from the top of a single stem and are shaped like an antler or fan.
7. Platycerium hillii, ‘Stiff Staghorn’
This staghorn fern variety can be found in Malaysia and Indonesia. It grows in humid rain forests and it is native to the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.
The fronds are long and can reach 2m (6ft) in length. They grow from the top of a single stem, which is covered with brown scales. Some plants that are grown in hanging baskets have a distinct stinkhorne shape, while others have an almost tree-like shape, which is called bifurcated.
This plant grows at a nearly vertical angle, the stems are brown and thick and they extend from the top of each frond.
8. Platycerium elephantotis, ‘Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern’
This staghorn fern variety, also known as the Elephant’s Ear Staghorn Fern, can be found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
The fronds are long and they grow from the top of a single stem that is covered in scales that are coloured brown or black. The fronds have a shape similar to an antler or fan.
This plant grows at a nearly vertical angle and it can be kept at a position where it gets light, but no direct sunlight.
9. Platycerium holttumianum
This staghorn fern variety is native to Australia and can be found in humid rain forests and tropical areas of Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.
It is often grown on a shelf or hanging basket, which is why it is also known as the Basket Fern. The fronds are long and they reach 3m (10ft) in length.
The main leaves come from the top of a single stem, which is covered in scales that are coloured dark brown or black. The bottom fronds of this plant are very long, sometimes measuring up to 16ft (5m).
10. Platycerium insulare, ‘Flat Edge Staghorn Fern’
This staghorn fern variety is found in Queensland and Northern Territory. It can be grown in humid environments or places where it gets indirect sunlight and water on a daily basis. It is often grown in hanging baskets.
The fronds of this plant are long and they reach 1m (3ft) in length. They come from the top of a single stem, which is covered with brown scales.
The fronds are thick and have a shape similar to an antler or fan.
Conclusion
Staghorn ferns are some of the plants that are commonly grown in humid environments or places where they get indirect sunlight and water on a daily basis. They can be found in areas that are native to the United States, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
A staghorn fern is a type of plant that can grow in a hanging basket or it can be positioned on a shelf. These plants are grown from New Zealand to Northern Queensland and are often used in hanging baskets.
The staghorn fern varieties that are mentioned above have a long stem, which is covered with thick brown scales. The fronds grow from the top of the stem.
They attach to each other at their edges and this shape makes them look like angel’s wings or bird’s foot prints. These plants can grow in humid environments or they can be positioned in a spot where it gets light and water, but no direct sunlight.
