Platycerium bifurcatum (Elkhorn fern)

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Plant description

The elkhorn fern, or Platycerium bifurcatum, is an epiphytic fern with a distinctive and decorative form of growth. The fern grows from a collection of plantlets, which attach to the host tree. Each of these smaller plants has a central nest frond, and this central nest sends out long antler shaped fronds. The plant can become quite large as it grows new plantlets. Elkhorns are native to coastal Queensland and NSW.

Elkhorn ferns need a shady spot and like to be kept moist. They are not frost hardy.

Propagation is by division of the plantlets, or by spores. Single plantlets or a large clump can be separated with a knife or trowel. This is then tied to the new spot, either onto a board or directly onto a tree. Some leaf mold should be placed into the gap between the fern and the host. The fern should be kept moist till it establishes. Spores can also be collected from mature fronds. The spores resemble brown felty growths under the mature fronds, and these can be collected by placing a section of frond into a paper bag. When the spores are shed from the frond, they look like brown dust. These are then sown onto sterilised coir and covered with glass.

Further reading: Top ten native plants and Best natives for pots and small gardens (articles written by native plant expert and horticulturalist Angus Stewart).

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: not specified
Flowering season: not specified

Plant size

Maximum height: 1.5 metres
Minimum height: not specified

Maximum width: 2 metres
Minimum width: not specified

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

Will tolerate partial sunlight.
Light frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Not specified.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: temperate, subtropical, tropical.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: not specified.

Clay: not specified.

Sand: not specified.

Pests

Mealy bug

Miscellaneous information

Native to: Australia.

Planting season: not specified.

Types of fertiliser: not specified.

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