Platycerium 'Jenny' Staghorn Fern

🌿 The Platycerium 'Jenny' Staghorn Fern is a compact hybrid within the genus Platycerium, part of the Polypodiaceae family. This cultivar originates from breeding programmes that refined the wild epiphytic staghorns native to tropical regions of Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In its natural habitat, staghorn ferns anchor themselves to tree trunks and branches, drawing moisture and nutrients from rain and organic debris. This particular variety is considered beginner to intermediate friendly, making it more accessible than some of its larger cousins. Fun fact: staghorn ferns have two distinct types of fronds—sterile shield fronds that brown and protect the root system, and fertile antler fronds that actually produce spores on their undersides.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
The Platycerium 'Jenny' displays an epiphytic growth habit, attaching to surfaces rather than growing in traditional soil. Its shield fronds form a rounded base that gradually turns tan and papery, which is completely normal and healthy. The antler fronds emerge upright and bifurcate into lobed shapes resembling deer antlers, covered in a silvery felt-like coating. These fronds are a soft grey-green and have a slightly fuzzy texture that helps the plant retain moisture in dry conditions.
FLOWER DETAILS
Staghorn ferns do not produce traditional flowers. Instead, they reproduce through spores that develop on the undersides of mature fertile fronds as brownish patches. These spore patches appear irregularly and are more common on well-established plants with strong light exposure. While not showy like blooms, the spore production is a sign of plant maturity and health. To encourage spore development, maintain consistent care and avoid disturbing the plant's mounting or root structure.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Tolerates some morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays
💧 Water: Soak mounting or pot base weekly in spring and summer, every 10-14 days in winter. Water when shield fronds feel dry. Misting antler fronds helps but doesn't replace soaking
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity but adapts to average home levels around 40%
🪴 Soil: Epiphytic mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite if potted. Often mounted on wood plaques or in hanging baskets
🏺 Potting: Mounted on wood or cork, or wire baskets lined with sphagnum. Rarely needs repotting, only when severely outgrown after several years
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate. New fronds develop every few months. Reaches 30-45 cm width and height at maturity over 3-5 years
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Monthly during spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength). Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter
🐾 Pet friendly: Yes, non-toxic to cats and dogs
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Platycerium 'Jenny' works well mounted on a bathroom wall where humidity is naturally higher, or hung near an east or north-facing window in a living room or bedroom. It's an excellent choice for shelves with grow lights or bright corners that need vertical interest. Avoid placing it in dark hallways, directly above heating vents, or in rooms with very dry air and no humidity source. Keep it away from cold drafts near exterior doors or windows in winter.