Platycerium bifurcatum – Elkhorn Fern

Description

Platycerium bifurcatum – Elkhorn Fern

Family: Polypodiaceae
Packet size: Approximately 10,000+ spores (not seeds)
Origin: Australian native

Epiphytic fern with branching fertile fronds and basal shield fronds. Best suited to warm, sheltered, humid locations.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Bright filtered light
• Growing medium: Moist but airy epiphytic medium or suitable mounting surface
• Water: Allow good airflow and avoid prolonged saturation; protect from drying while establishing

Propagation from Spores

1. Prepare a clean, lidded container with fine, moist propagation mix. Sterilise the mix with boiling water, then let it cool completely before sowing.
2. Surface-sow spores on sterile moist medium under high humidity; grow young plants until established before mounting. Do not cover the spores with seed-raising mix.
3. Maintain humidity and monitor for green prothalli (the first tiny fern stage); development of young ferns can take weeks to months or longer.
4. Gradually acclimatise established young ferns to lower humidity before potting or mounting.

Important: Fern spores are not seeds. Keep the covered propagation container clean and in bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can overheat it.

Spore propagation advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Spore germination and fern development may vary depending on spore freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.