Feature Friday: Growing and Styling Staghorn Ferns

Not all plants belong in a pot. Some, like the staghorn fern, are meant to be displayed like living art. With their dramatic fronds, sculptural presence, and unique mounting options, staghorn ferns (genus Platycerium) don’t just add greenery to your space—they transform it. These aren’t your average houseplants. They hang on walls, grow in unexpected directions, and spark curiosity wherever they’re placed.

This Feature Friday, we’re diving deep into what makes staghorn ferns so special, how to care for them, and the most creative ways to style them in your home. Whether you’re an experienced plant parent or new to the world of epiphytes, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your staghorn fern thriving.

What Is a Staghorn Fern?

Staghorn ferns are a group of epiphytic ferns in the genus Platycerium. Native to tropical and subtropical regions across the globe—from Australia to Southeast Asia and Africa—these ferns naturally grow on tree trunks and branches, anchoring themselves with roots while absorbing nutrients from rainfall, debris, and the air.

They’re known for their antler-like fronds, which give the plant its name. A mature staghorn can look like a living sculpture, with long, graceful fronds that reach out in all directions. And while they can be potted, they’re at their best when mounted vertically—bringing height, texture, and a sense of the wild into your space.

There are around 18 recognized species of staghorn ferns, but the most common one you’ll find in homes and garden centers is Platycerium bifurcatum. It’s beautiful, forgiving, and perfect for beginners.

A Little History & Lore: The Fascinating Origins of the Staghorn Fern

Staghorn ferns might be trendy houseplants now, but they’ve been around far longer than modern interiors. Their story begins deep in the canopies of tropical rainforests, where they’ve evolved to live not in the soil, but clinging to the trunks and branches of trees—thriving high above the forest floor.

A Curious Collector’s Plant

During the Victorian era, ferns became wildly popular among plant collectors, a movement known as “pteridomania” or “fern fever.” Though staghorn ferns weren’t commonly collected in the early phases of this craze due to their unique growing habits, they gained recognition in the mid-20th century when exotic plant collections became fashionable.

Botanical gardens began showcasing large, mounted specimens, and staghorn ferns quickly caught the attention of indoor gardeners who wanted something different—a plant that combined the drama of sculpture with the serenity of greenery.

From Jungle Canopy to Living Room Wall

Today, staghorn ferns are celebrated not only for their exotic look but also for how they invite a new way of interacting with plants. They remind us that not all life needs to be rooted in the ground to thrive. Their rise in popularity has aligned with a larger movement toward biophilic design—bringing nature indoors in artistic, immersive ways.

Whether you’re drawn to their prehistoric vibe, their architectural beauty, or the way they challenge traditional plant norms, one thing is certain: staghorn ferns have earned their place in the houseplant hall of fame—not just as decor, but as conversation-starting, canopy-dwelling legends.

The Two Types of Fronds

One of the coolest things about staghorn ferns is that they grow two very different kinds of fronds: