Giant Staghorn Fern
Platycerium superbum
Giant Staghorn Fern is a large Australian epiphyte with broad shield-like sterile fronds and long, forked fertile fronds that hang like antlers. It grows as a solitary specimen rather than a clump of pups. Mount it; do not bury it in regular potting soil.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
This species is non-toxic to cats and dogs according to botanical safety standards, making it an excellent choice for pet owners.
Care Notes
Light
Provide bright, filtered light with good air movement. Avoid direct midday sun that can scorch the fronds.
Water
When the moss feels dry, soak the whole mount or basket in room-temperature water for about 15 minutes, then let it drain. Allow the nest fronds to dry between soaks so fungus does not set in.
Soil
Do not plant this fern in regular soil. Mount it on a board, cork, or slatted orchid basket packed with sphagnum moss, and secure it with fishing line or nylon strips.
Humidity & Temperature
Keep temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C-29°C) with high humidity. Mist the fronds or run a humidifier if the room is dry.
Common Issues
Do not peel off brown shield fronds; they protect the roots. Soft, rotting nest tissue usually means the mount stayed wet too long between soaks.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid seaweed or fish emulsion
Soil
Sphagnum moss, orchid bark, or mounting on wooden plaques
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
3 to 5 feet wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Propagated via spores; unlike other species, it rarely produces 'pups' or offsets.
Common Varieties
Distinct species; often confused with Platycerium grande or Platycerium bifurcatum.
Broad silvery-green shield fronds form an upright nest, with long pendulous forked fertile fronds and a single large central spore patch.