Will a Staghorn Fern Grow in Ohio?

Staghorn Ferns in Ohio

• Most of Ohio falls within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 and 6, meaning the state can experience winter lows of between minus 5 to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The hardiest staghorn fern, sometimes called elkhorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) will only briefly tolerate lows of around 30 degrees; all others require temperatures well above this low. Staghorns cannot be grown outdoors in Ohio, or must be brought inside ahead of the approach of autumn. Growers of most types of staghorn ferns in Ohio will require a greenhouse environment with high temperatures and humidity for optimal fern growth.

About Staghorn Ferns

• Staghorn ferns are named for their distinctive broad and branching leaves, which strongly resemble elk or moose antlers. Eighteen species are spread across the globe, including New Guinea, Madagascar, the Philippines, South America and tropical areas of Africa and Australia. Most require daytime temperatures of between 80 and 90 degrees F and overnight lows no less than 60 degrees F, lodging most staghorn ferns at USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. In the wild, they can grow to an enormous size, exceeding 100 pounds in weight under ideal conditions. Though they rarely grow to this size under home cultivation, they can still reach a formidable size.

Care and Culture

• Staghorn ferns are epiphytic, meaning they do not grow with their roots in the ground like most other types of plants, but rather lodge themselves in the groins of tree branches or cling to upright tree trunks. Under cultivation, most collectors usually grow staghorn ferns by attaching them with wire to a basket of peat moss mounted on a slab of wood or cork bark. The growing medium should be allowed to completely dry between waterings, but should be thoroughly drenched at each watering. Water once a week or so during hot weather, and once or twice a month during winter. Most species require moderate light during the day, with the exception of the South American species Platycerium andinum, which needs low light.

Species

• The easiest staghorn fern to grow is the elkhorn fern, commonly found in nurseries with tropical plant sections. The silver elkhorn (Platycerium veitchii), native to Australia, is also common in the nursery trade and considered easier to grow. An African and Madacascar species, Platycerium alcicorne, is another “easier to grow” type, and can tolerate temporary exposure to temperatures of 40 degrees F. Other species are considered to be moderately to extremely challenging to grow indoors in cooler areas, including the largest species, the New Guinean staghorn (Platycerium wandae).