What is an elkhorn fern?
The elkhorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is an epiphytic fern native to the rainforests of eastern Australia and nearby Pacific islands. Rather than rooting in soil, it anchors itself to tree bark in the wild — and that’s exactly how most people grow it indoors: mounted on a wooden plaque, a cork tile, or hung in an open basket lined with sphagnum moss.
It produces two very different frond types. The flat, shield-shaped basal fronds hug the mount and slowly turn brown as they age; they protect the roots and catch falling debris that feeds the plant. The arching fertile fronds are the showpiece — long, forked, and velvety, branching like an elk’s antlers. A well-grown specimen is genuinely one of the most striking things you can hang on a wall indoors.
How much light does an elkhorn fern need?
Bright, indirect light keeps the fertile fronds long and healthy. An east- or north-facing window is ideal; a spot a couple of feet back from a bright south- or west-facing window also works well. In lower light the plant survives but grows more slowly and the fronds stay shorter — it won’t decline quickly, but it won’t produce that dramatic arching silhouette either.
Avoid harsh midday direct sun hitting the fronds: the delicate velvet coating (called trichomes) scorch in intense direct rays, leading to bleached, papery patches.
How do you water a mounted elkhorn fern?
The mounted lifestyle changes how you water it. Instead of pouring from a can, lift the mount down and submerge the whole root/moss ball in a bucket or deep sink of water for 10–15 minutes, then hang it back up to drain thoroughly before it goes back on the wall.
Do this about every 1–2 weeks — weekly in a warm, dry summer room; every two weeks in cooler months. The rule of thumb: the sphagnum moss at the back should feel slightly damp but never sodden, and never bone dry. The brown shield fronds at the base naturally turn papery with age; that is not a sign of thirst.
Does an elkhorn fern need feeding?
More than most ferns. Epiphytes like this one rely on decaying organic matter that accumulates behind the shield fronds in nature, so they appreciate a little help indoors. Push one or two slow-release fertiliser pellets into the sphagnum moss pad in spring, or give a half-strength balanced liquid feed monthly from spring through early autumn. Stop or reduce feeding in winter when growth slows.
Over-feeding causes salt build-up that burns frond tips — if you see white crust on the moss or crispy tips appearing despite adequate watering, flush the root ball with plain water.
How do you mount an elkhorn fern?
You need a wooden board or cork plaque, a handful of sphagnum moss to cushion and hold moisture around the roots, and either fishing line, soft wire, or staples to hold everything in place. Press the moss around the root ball, position it against the board, and secure — covering only the root area, leaving the shield and fertile fronds free. As the plant establishes, the shield fronds will grip the board on their own and the fixings can be removed or left in place. Remount every few years when the plant has grown significantly.
Is an elkhorn fern safe for pets?
Good news for cat and dog owners — the ASPCA lists Platycerium bifurcatum as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It’s one of the few genuinely dramatic wall-display plants you can keep without worrying about a curious pet chewing a frond.