Staghorn Fern
Platycerium — The Wall-Mounted Antler Fern
Light
Medium to bright indirect — similar to its natural habitat on tree trunks under canopy. Avoid direct sun which scorches the fronds. Tolerates lower light but growth slows and fronds become floppy.
Water
Mist the fronds between waterings in dry conditions. Mounted specimens dry out faster than potted ones — check moisture more frequently in winter.
Humidity
Needs high humidity. Struggles in dry, heated offices without help.
Temperature
16–24°C (60–75°F). Dislikes heat from vents and direct sun.
Difficulty
Advanced
Sizes
Tabletop · Mid-floor · Floor specimen
Platycerium, better known as the elkhorn or staghorn fern, is an epiphytic fern with two distinct frond types: flat, round shield fronds at the base and forked, antler-shaped fertile fronds that give the plant its name. The shield fronds naturally turn brown with age — that's expected, not a sign of decline.
In the Office
This fern needs high humidity, which most heated offices don't provide without help, so it's a plant that needs support to thrive rather than a set-and-forget option. It prefers medium to bright indirect light similar to growing under a forest canopy, and direct sun will scorch the fronds. Mounted specimens dry out faster than potted ones, so moisture needs checking more often, especially in winter.
Why Choose This Plant
Benefits for Your Office
- Distinctive, sculptural antler-shaped fronds offer a look no other common office plant has
- Can be mounted rather than potted, opening up wall displays as a placement option
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Tolerates lower light, with growth just slowing down rather than the plant failing outright
Where to Place It
Office Placement Ideas
- 1
Mounted on a feature wall in a lobby or reception area — its sculptural, antler-shaped fronds make a strong wall display
- 2
Breakout spaces or lounges with medium to bright indirect light, away from direct sun which scorches the fronds
- 3
Rooms with higher ambient humidity, or near a humidifier — it struggles in dry, heated offices without that support
How to Care for It
Care Tips for Office Environments
- Never remove the brown shield fronds — they protect the root ball and feed the plant, even though they look dead
- Only trim fertile fronds that are completely dead or rotten, cutting at the base
- Water at the base rather than over the shield fronds, which rot if they stay wet on top
- Check frond undersides for scale insects at every visit, and mist between waterings if the air is dry
Want Staghorn Fern in your office?
Our team will recommend the right variety and size for your space, deliver and install it, and keep it thriving with ongoing care.