Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum)

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
palmbob Acton, CA(Zone 8b) Jun 04, 2009

Staghorn Fern
Platycerium superbum

with the grower, for scale, southern California

Thumbnail by palmbob
Post #6638623
Quote
lgroy Jacksonville, FL Mar 17, 2011

WOW!!! So beauitful...What do you use for fertilizer?

Post #8432033
Quote
EmilySussan Sarasota, FL Mar 17, 2011

Do the Staghorn Ferns propagate themselves? Just how many years did it take for the plant to get that big? I want to know if you use a fertilizer too!

Post #8432168
Quote
palmbob Acton, CA(Zone 8b) Mar 17, 2011

I suspect that plant is 30 years old or more. They can self propogate in the right climate (usually a bit more tropical than this plant is growing in- southern California is a bit arid for selfpropogating staghorn ferns)... in the tropics, the spores fall and grow where they land, if wet enough and protected enough... a plant like this will produce millions and millions of spores a year, so even in tropical areas, the chances of a spore making to an adult must be millions to one, or they would quickly take over the jungle. So if it's that unlikely in a 'perfect' climate, you can imagine how unlikely it would be in this arid climate (bascially nil).

Post #8432343
Quote
lgroy Jacksonville, FL Mar 18, 2011

My Staghorn is about 50 years old. My Mama started the plant in a large basket, when she passed I brought home and hung basket in tree. Needless to say after a few years the tree limb could not hold the plant. We bought a large pole sunk in 800 lbs of concrete, maded a basket with chains that will hold 1600 lbs..built a large canopy, covered with screen that gives the plant filter sun light. It approx weights 600 lbs. I am very proud of my Staghorn, as I know you are too of yours....but would like to know what is the best fertilizer to use. I have put small balls of hamburg meat in the cones once in awhile, like my Mama did, but have used blood meal mostly and an all purpose fertilizer. In the winter with below freezing temps, it takes 3 quiltes to wrap it, and it looks like a huge candy kiss..Any advice you could pass my way would be greatly appreciated..

Post #8434127
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More PlantFiles Pictures Threads

Go to all PlantFiles Pictures threads
BACK TO TOP