DOo you know What are Staghorn Ferns? Staghorn ferns are strange, exotic-looking plants that, whether presented indoors or outside in a warm-climate garden, will certainly draw attention. The 18 species of the Platycerium genus, as well as several hybrids and variants of those species, are referred to as staghorn ferns.
Ferns are among the oldest ancient plants, with over 12,000 different kinds. Unlike other plant species, ferns do not reproduce by flowers or seeds; instead, they release minute spores into the air (similar to mosses and mushrooms), which ultimately grow into new plants. There are various varieties and species of Staghorn Fern explained below.
In this article, we will know more about the Varieties, Species, and Types of Staghorn ferns.
Choosing Various Types of Staghorn Fern
Staghorn ferns, like most bryophytes and many orchids, are epiphytes. This means that they prefer to grow in trees above ground and do not require soil contact. Instead, they take in water and minerals from the air, as well as from water or leaves that fall upon their fronds.
Most are tropical species, with some hailing from Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, while others are from South America or Africa. As a result, the majority of staghorn fern variants need particular settings and care.
When choosing a staghorn fern species, keep in mind your degree of experience, the moisture level in your house, and the amount of space you have available. Because of the differences in the kinds, some are simpler to cultivate at home than others. If you’re going to grow the fern outside, make sure you have a shady area in mind, such as a tree or a covered porch.
There are a few exceptions to the rule that most species should not be revealed to temperatures below 13 degrees C. Staghorn fern care guidelines change according to the kind, so be careful to find out what yours requires.
Anatomy of the Staghorn Fern
The anatomy of the staghorn fern varies from that of many other popular houseplants, including other ferns, which is one of the reasons why it appears difficult to care for. Ferns are among the oldest ancient plants, with over 12,000 different kinds. Unlike other plant species, ferns do not reproduce by flowers or seeds; instead, they release minute spores into the air (similar to mosses and mushrooms), which ultimately grow into new plants.
The leaves of ferns are known as fronds, and there are two varieties of staghorn ferns. The first and most noticeable is the “antler” frond, which is a huge, bifurcated leaf that grows out of the middle of the plant and gives them its name because they resemble deer or moose antlers. Spores form on the bottom parts of these fronds and resemble brown fluff; do not remove the spores! This is a big no-no when it comes to its maintenance.
The shield frond is the second form of a staghorn fern frond. The plant’s base is surrounded by these circular, rigid plate-like leaves. Their job is to defend the plant roots while also absorbing water and nutrients. These fronds start green before becoming brown and drying up. This is a perfectly typical aspect of its life cycle, and it’s one of the most popular staghorn fern care myths. A brown shield leaf does not indicate that your staghorn fern is decaying, and you should never remove dry shield fronds!
The root ball is the last portion of them. Because stags are epiphytes, their roots are small and aid in the plant’s attachment to its environment. They require a lot of drainages since their roots are so little, and they’re prone to root rot.
Now that you know a little more about these planted beauties, here are some of our finest staghorn fern care tips.
Staghorn Fern Species and Varieties
1. Platycerium bifurcatum:
The most common staghorn fern for home cultivation is Platycerium bifurcatum. It’s also the easiest to look after, making it a wonderful option for newbies. This species may grow to be rather huge, so ensure you have a sturdy mount and enough room to support it.
Unlike other staghorn ferns, this species can withstand a temperature dip to 30 degrees F for a short period (-1 degree C.). There are several types to choose from.
2. Platycerium superbum:
Platycerium superbum is hard to grow and locate, but it has a beautiful look that makes it popular among fern enthusiasts.
The mount develops huge, light-green fronds that reach upward and downward. These ferns require a high level of humidity, however, they can be easily harmed by overwatering.
3. Platycerium veitchii:
Platycerium veitchii is a silvery-colored semi-desert plant native to Australia. It’s a simple plant to grow and can withstand temperatures as low as -1 degrees C. This species prefers a lot of light.
4. Platycerium hillii:
Another fantastic fern for beginners is Platycerium hillii. It is endemic to Australia and New Guinea and has dark green leaves.
5. Platycerium angolense:
Because it enjoys temperatures of 80-90 degrees F (27 to 32 degrees C) and does not withstand conditions below 60 degrees F, Platycerium angolense is an excellent choice for hot places (15 degrees C.).
It is, nevertheless, one of the most challenging ferns to cultivate. It needs frequent watering and a high level of humidity.
About the article
Staghorn ferns are strange, exotic-looking plants that, whether presented indoors or outside in a warm-climate garden, will certainly draw attention. The 18 species of the Platycerium genus, as well as several hybrids and variants of those species, are referred to as staghorn ferns. In this article, we discussed Staghorn Fern its Varieties like Aglaonema Species, and Types .
I am usually trying new strategies to increase the success of new plants in the Garden, I try my best to publish those on Gardening Hood as soon as possible.
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