Staghorn Fern
Platycerium species
Platycerium are a genus of fern species that are very easily grown in sub-tropical Orlando.
Platycerium have two types of fronds, basal and fertile. The basal fronds are sterile and grow closely to the rootball offering protection. The fertile fronds have brown spores at the tips on their undersides.
I hang Staghorn Ferns from large tree branches in bright shade. (Full sun should be avoided.)
They benefit from the nightly dew that forms on them. When grown undercover, I recommend spraying the plants once or twice a week with the garden hose.
Staghorn ferns can be propagated by dividing large plants. A "Saws All" with a metal blade is recommended, as many plants are started in wire baskets. (The basal fronds hide the wire basket.)
I will discuss a great way to hang Staghorn Ferns in a future blog.