Staghorn Fern (30cm)

The staghorn is one of the most prominent and stunning features of our native rainforest. They are epiphytic and adorn the treetops with their spectacular foliage, they can also be lithophytic which means growing on rocks. Each fern consists of two types of frond, the nest fronds are infertile and grow around the host tree holding the fern firmly in place as well as providing it with a nest at the top to catch falling leaves which rot down and feed the plant. The fertile fronds are the dramatic antler shaped fronds that produce the spore, these hang down from the center of the fern. It is important to give your fern a bright spot in filtered sunlight, they do not like dense shade but will appreciate some humidity. Protect from drying winds and do not over water your fern. Feed with a liquid fertilizer during the warmer months.