How many species of Platycerium are there?

18 fern species
Platycerium is a genus of about 18 fern species in the polypod family, Polypodiaceae. Ferns in this genus are widely known as staghorn or elkhorn ferns due to their uniquely shaped fronds….

How many species of staghorn ferns are there?

18 species
The plants known as staghorn ferns include the 18 species in the Platycerium genus plus many hybrids and varieties of those species.

Is staghorn fern an epiphyte?

Staghorn frens are epiphytes that need some sort of support on which to grow. As epiphytes, staghorn ferns do not grow in soil, but attach to trees when growing in nature. Small plants can be grown in containers with a rich and very well-drained medium.

How can you tell Platycerium?

One of the keys to identifying platycerium species is in the shape and location of the spore patches. Some are located on the tips, some in the middle of the frond, and others on lobes. Some have two spore patches, others only one spore patch. Most growers tend to over water staghorn ferns.

What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn plants?

The easiest way to distinguish between the two types of fern is that elkhorns have many plants growing together in communities and they have smaller, slender fronds. Whereas staghorns tend to grow as larger individuals. These plants grow equally well on tree branches, fallen logs and rocks.

What are the different parts of a staghorn fern?

Platyceriums basically consist of 3 parts: the roots (small and sometimes hard to see), sterile or basal fronds (which eventually dry up and form the ‘shield’ or rounded base of the Staghorn fern) and the foliar fronds for which these beautiful ferns are named after (look a bit like a deer’s antlers).

What is the scientific name for staghorn coral?

Acropora cervicornisStaghorn coral / Scientific name

How do you tell the difference between a staghorn and an Elkhorn?

The difference between these two plants is the elkhorn (Platycerium bifurcatum) has thinner, wispier leaves and multiple “eyes” or rosettes of foliage whereas the staghorn (Platycerium superbum – pronounced with the emphasis on the middle syllable) has a single eye and larger leaves.

What is the difference between a staghorn fern and an elkhorn fern?

The easiest way to distinguish between the two types of fern is that elkhorns have many plants growing together in communities and they have smaller, slender fronds. Whereas staghorns tend to grow as larger individuals. The fertile fronds have brown, rusty tips underneath, which is where they produce their spores.

Are staghorns native to Australia?

Staghorn Fern. Known as the Staghorn fern Platycerium superbum is native to lowland rainforests in Queensland and northern New South Wales. Assigned to the Polypodiaceae family, Platycerium is one of 11 genera of this family represented in Australia.

What is Platycerium bifurcatum used for?

A mature Platycerium bifurcatum. P. bifurcatum is the species most commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant, since it is probably the easiest to grow.

Is Platycerium veitchii easy to grow?

Platycerium veitchii is a silver-colored species from Australian semi-desert regions. It is relatively easy to grow and can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees F. (-1 degree C.). This species prefers high light levels. Platycerium hillii is another great fern for beginners. It has dark-green foliage and is native to Australia and New Guinea.

Is Platycerium superbum hard to care for?

Platycerium superbum is more difficult to care for and can be hard to find, but it has a striking appearance and is sought after by fern collectors. It produces large, light-green fronds that extend both upward and downward from the mount. These ferns need a high-humidity environment, but they are easily damaged by overwatering.