Browse plants / Polypodiaceae
Elkhorn fern Platycerium bifurcatum
When it flowers
- January, not flowering
- February, not flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, not flowering
- June, not flowering
- July, not flowering
- August, not flowering
- September, not flowering
- October, not flowering
- November, not flowering
- December, not flowering
Tree-dwelling fern with antler-like fronds, grown mounted on a tree or board.
An epiphytic fern that clings to tree trunks and rocks. Round shield fronds grip the support and collect litter, while forked, antler-like fronds hang out from it. It spreads by producing pups and builds into a large clump over time.
In the garden
- Flowers
- Inconspicuous
- Attracts
- Shelter for small wildlife
- Leaves
- Rounded shield fronds that turn papery brown, and grey-green forked hanging fronds.
Growing conditions
- Climate
- Tropical, subtropical and temperate
- Light
- Part shade to full shade
- Drainage
- Needs good drainage
- Frost
- Light frost
- Water
- Some dry spells
- Coast
- Sheltered coastal gardens
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Division
Planting
Tie onto a board or a rough-barked tree with sphagnum or leaf litter behind it, in filtered light.
Pruning
None needed. Leave the brown shield fronds; they protect the roots.
Care
Water in dry spells and put banana peel or leaf litter behind the shield fronds as food.
Where it comes from
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Order
- Polypodiales
- Native to
- New South Wales and Queensland
- Natural range
- Rainforest and forest of eastern Queensland and northern NSW.
Where to buy
Widely available.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Platycerium bifurcatum on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)
Native nurseries near you
An independent list of nurseries that specialise in Australian native plants. Nobody pays to be on it. Distances are approximate and in a straight line. Opening hours and stock vary, so check before you go.