Polypodiaceae
Philippine Staghorn Fern (Platycerium grande)
Platycerium grande
Medium-difficulty plant preferring bright indirect light, high humidity (70-80%), and weekly watering. Does not tolerate waterlogging. Ideal for indoor environments with good air circulation.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 27°C
70% - 80%
Categories
What is Philippine Staghorn Fern?
Philippine Staghorn Fern (Platycerium grande) is a medium-care plant from the Polypodiaceae family. Platycerium grande is a magnificent epiphytic fern native to the Philippines, renowned for its enormous bifurcated fronds resembling elk antlers. One of the largest species in the Platycerium genus, it can reach up to 4 feet in height. In nature, it grows on tree trunks and rocks, absorbing nutrient...
Philippine Staghorn Fern grows up to 1.2m, with spread of 150cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 27°C, 70–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Philippine Staghorn Fern is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Philippine Staghorn Fern?
TLDR: Philippine Staghorn Fern needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-27°C with 70-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Philippine Staghorn Fern?
Water thoroughly every 7 days by submerging the base in water for 15 minutes. Allow the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings. Never leave roots waterlogged to avoid rot.
How Much Light Does Philippine Staghorn Fern Need?
Place in bright indirect light near an east or north-facing window. Avoid intense direct sunlight which can scorch the fronds. Tolerates partial shade but thrives with good brightness.
What Is the Best Soil for Philippine Staghorn Fern?
Use a light, well-draining medium: orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite mix. Ideal pH 5.5-6.5. As an epiphyte, it can be mounted on a wooden board or grown in a hanging basket.
What Pot Should You Use for Philippine Staghorn Fern?
Mount on a wooden board with sphagnum moss or use a hanging basket. Avoid traditional pots. Fern boards provide excellent drainage and root aeration.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Philippine Staghorn Fern and Where Does It Come From?
Platycerium grande is a magnificent epiphytic fern native to the Philippines, renowned for its enormous bifurcated fronds resembling elk antlers. One of the largest species in the Platycerium genus, it can reach up to 4 feet in height. In nature, it grows on tree trunks and rocks, absorbing nutrients and moisture through its basal shield fronds.
How to Propagate Philippine Staghorn Fern?
Spore propagation
Use sterilized tools. Maintain constant humidity. This is a slow process requiring patience.
- 1 Collect mature spores from fertile fronds
- 2 Sow on sterilized moist substrate
- 3 Cover with plastic to maintain humidity
- 4 Wait for germination in a warm, bright location
- 5 Transplant seedlings when they reach 5 cm
Materials needed:
Rhizome division
Divide only when the pup has at least 2-3 fronds. Do not cut too close to the mother plant.
- 1 Locate pups (lateral shoots) at the base of the plant
- 2 Carefully separate with a sterilized knife
- 3 Attach new pup to a mount with moss
- 4 Keep in a humid environment until established
Materials needed:
How Big Does Philippine Staghorn Fern Grow?
TLDR: Philippine Staghorn Fern can reach up to 1.2m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
1.2m
Spread
1.5m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Philippine Staghorn Fern?
TLDR: Philippine Staghorn Fern is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
Platycerium grande can take 5-10 years to reach its full size in nature
The basal shield fronds should never be removed as they protect the roots and accumulate nutrients
In nature, it grows on tree trunks in tropical forests of the Philippines absorbing rain and decomposing leaves
It is one of the largest species in the Platycerium genus with fronds that can exceed 1 meter in length
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water the Philippine Staghorn Fern?
What humidity level does Platycerium grande need?
Is the Philippine Staghorn Fern toxic to pets?
Can I grow it in a regular pot?
Why are my fronds turning brown?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | ⚠️ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Weeping Fig | Medium | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
