Platycerium bifurcatum – Elkhorn Fern

The elkhorn fern, or Platycerium bifurcatum, is an epiphytic fern with a distinctive and decorative form of growth. The fern grows from a collection of plantlets, which attach to the host tree. Each of these smaller plants has a central nest frond, and this central nest sends out long antler shaped fronds. The plant can become quite large as it grows new plantlets. Elkhorns are native to coastal Queensland and NSW.

Elkhorn ferns need a shady spot and like to be kept moist and are not frost hardy.

Read more about Native Ferns, Palms and Cycads

 

Family:Polypodiaceae
Scientific Name:Platycerium bifurcatum
Common Name:Elkhorn Fern
Plant Type:Fern
Height:1 ~ 2 metre
Width:1 ~ 2 metre
Ph Level:Acid, Neutral
Plant Environment:Courtyard
Climate Zone:Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate
Light:Light shade, Half shade, Heavy shade
Growth Habit:Evergreen, Weeping
Lifespan:Perennial
Soil Moisture:Moist moderate drainage, Needs regular watering
Frost Tolerance:Not frost tolerant
Plant Usage:Feature plant, Attractive foliage, Wow factor

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WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT

Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-

 

The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW 

 

Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW

 

IndigiGrow- Sydney- NSW

 

Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW

 

Native Grace Nursery – Robertson NSW

 

Wariapendi Nursery – Colo Vale NSW

 

Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW

 

Cool Country Natives – ACT

 

Geelong Native Plants – Victoria

 

Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria

 

Forest Heart eco-Nursery – Maleny Queensland

 

Natives R Us – Traveston – Queensland 

 

Zanthorrea Nursery – Perth WA

 

Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia

 

MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –

 

The Native Shop – mail order

 

Plants In A Box

 


 

 

Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.