Platycerium bifurcatum

2827

$8.00

The most widely grown of all the staghorns. A hardy species from the east coast of Australia up to New Guinea, it can withstand outdoor winter conditions in much of Florida and warmer areas of the south and west with brief dips to freezing. The flat shield or sterile fronds form a smooth, rounded mound on the surface of a tree or on a slab, from which the long, deeply incised or ‘finger-like’ fertile fronds emerge. The fertile fronds can be up to 3 feet long and the clump as a whole can reach truly giant proportions.

In Florida massive clumps, suspended from chains around tree limbs, can be seen in many gardens. Easily grown on wood plaques, solid or slatted, in orchid baskets, on driftwood or nearly any substrate that is sturdy enough. Open shade is best but some direct sun is okay, water enough to keep moist but not wet. Let dry some between watering.