Staghorn Fern: The Dramatic Epiphyte That’s Taking Hawaii by Storm
If you’ve ever wanted to add a touch of prehistoric drama to your garden, meet the staghorn fern (Platycerium superbum de). This isn’t your grandmother’s Boston fern – this is a plant that looks like it belongs in Jurassic Park, with massive fronds that spread like the antlers of some ancient elk.
What Exactly Is a Staghorn Fern?
The staghorn fern is a perennial epiphyte, which is a fancy way of saying it’s a plant that grows on other plants (usually trees) without being a parasite. Think of it as nature’s way of apartment living – it gets a great view without having to deal with ground-level rent payments in soil.
Unlike your typical garden plants, staghorn ferns don’t grow in dirt. Instead, they’re classified as forbs – vascular plants without significant woody tissue that have adapted to a very unique lifestyle clinging to tree bark and absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air.
Where You’ll Find Staghorn Ferns
In the United States, you’ll primarily encounter staghorn ferns in Hawaii, where this non-native species has established itself and now reproduces spontaneously in the wild. While it’s not originally from the islands, it has found Hawaii’s tropical climate quite to its liking.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Worry About) Staghorn Ferns
There’s no denying the dramatic appeal of a mature staghorn fern. These plants can develop massive, sculptural fronds that create an instant tropical focal point. They’re conversation starters, living art pieces that seem to defy gravity as they cling to their host trees.
However, since staghorn ferns aren’t native to Hawaii (or anywhere else in the US), some gardeners prefer to stick with indigenous alternatives that support local ecosystems. If you’re focused on native gardening, consider exploring Hawaii’s incredible native fern species instead.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow a staghorn fern, here’s what you need to know:
- Light: Bright, indirect light – think dappled sunlight under a tree canopy
- Humidity: High humidity is essential; these plants love moisture in the air
- Mounting: They need to be mounted on wood, tree bark, or special mounting boards
- Watering: Regular misting and occasional soaking of the mounting medium
- Temperature: Thrives in tropical conditions with protection from frost
USDA Hardiness Zones
Staghorn ferns are suited for USDA hardiness zones 9-12, which means they can handle minimum temperatures down to about 20°F (-6°C). In cooler climates, they make excellent houseplants or greenhouse specimens.
Planting and Care Tips
Growing staghorn ferns successfully is all about mimicking their natural epiphytic lifestyle:
- Mount them on cedar boards, cork bark, or directly onto tree trunks
- Use sphagnum moss to help establish the root system
- Water by soaking the entire mount periodically rather than watering like a traditional potted plant
- Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal issues
- Feed monthly with a diluted, balanced fertilizer during growing season
Wildlife and Ecosystem Considerations
As ferns, staghorn ferns don’t produce flowers, so they don’t directly support pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their role in the ecosystem is more about providing structure and habitat, particularly when they grow large enough to create nesting spots for small animals.
Since this is a non-native species, consider balancing your garden with native Hawaiian plants that have co-evolved with local wildlife and provide essential food sources and habitat.
The Bottom Line
Staghorn ferns are undeniably impressive plants that can add tropical drama to the right garden setting. While they’re not native to Hawaii, they’re not currently listed as invasive either. If you choose to grow one, do so responsibly and consider complementing it with native species that support local ecosystems. Just remember – this is a plant that demands attention, both for its striking appearance and its specific care requirements!
