Platycerium superbum

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Plant
ID 432 Platycerium superbum
Botanic Name Platycerium superbum
Common Name Staghorn
Family Name Polypodiaceae
Cultivars
Origin Australia, N.S.W. Queensland, Zone 10-12
Growth Type Fern
Bark Type Stemless / Acaulescent
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Medium
No. of Species 12
Growth Habit Epiphytic Growth Rate Medium
Height 0.5 - 2 m (2 - 7 ft) Spread 1 m (3 ft)
Plant Overview
This non-clumping epiphytic fern forms large nest-like fronds and has a slightly branched rhizome. The narrow mid green true fronds are pendulous and the sporangium forms in a single patch on the back of the fertile fronds during summer.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Lobed
The large sterile grayish green shield frond lays flat over the root system and adheres to the host and supports the upright sterile frond to 1 m (3 ft) tall and are lobed at the apex. The bright green pendant fertile fronds appear from the centre.
Arrangement Rosette
Margin Entire
Colour Mid green
Size 800 - 2000 mm ( 31.5 - 78.7 in )
Flower
Perfume Additional Information
Shape
The sporangia are brown and fluffy and are produced in a large single area at the base of first fork of true pendant fertile frond during summer.
Inflorescence Sori
Colour Brown
Size 0 - 0 mm ( 0.0 - 0.0 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Sporangium Additional Information
Colour Brown
The sporangia form a single large brown mass. The spores are produced in the sporangium during the sporophyte stage of the fern life cycle in rows on the back of the fertile frond. The spores are very small (like fine dust).
Edible No
Bird Attractive No
Size 0 - 0 mm ( 0.0 - 0.0 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained composted leaf mould, damp peat-like material, acidic, pH 6.0-7.0
Container Hanging baskets, old tree fern trunks, on shaded walls, under glass in cold area
Climate Warm to sub-tropical
Aspect Semi shade, wind protected humid position, frost and drought tender
Pest & Diseases Staghorn borer, staghorn beetle, wind or frost burn, slaters, whiteflies
Fertiliser Mulch with leaf mould, apply dilute liquid fertiliser monthly, avoid waterlogging
Pruning Normaly not necessary, remove spent true fronds as necessary
Cultural Uses Propagation
Staghorn is a spectacular fern that is widely grown for its epiphytic habit. It is grown as a specimen in gardens or used in rainforest settings in the understory. It is also commonly grown on a cool moist south-facing wall with a timber backing.
Place spores on sterilised sphagnum moss, peat moss, cover with glass and keep moist. In 4 to 6 weeks prothalli appear and then transplant to host and tie on allowing the nest leaves to grow.
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