Platycerium bifurcatum Cav., C. Chr.
Common name(s): Elkhorn Fern
Fern / Fern Ally Properties
Pendulous Open Bun Frond Properties
Smooth 
Pulverulent 
Flabellate 
Basal or Radial 
Lanceolate,
Oblong 
Obtuse 
Entire,
Lobed 
Incurved Indusia (Fruiting Body) Properties
Spore Properties
Root Properties
Clinging,
Epiphytic Soil Properties
Damp,
Moist 
None Other Properties / Uses
General Notes
The Elkhorn is made up of a mass of plantlets, composed of a nest leaf 120-300mm wide lying against the host tree with nest leaves of neighbouring plantlets overlapping. The nest leaves become brown and papery with age and are sterile. Fertile fronds 250mm - 900mm long protrude from each plantlet. The base of the true fronds are narrowly wedge shaped while the top section can be forked several times.
Unfortunately around the world it has escaped the garden and has become in some places an environmental weed.
Propagation Notes
Offsets
For field collected stock, choose small to medium clumps. Slide a knife under the edge of the shield leaf and prise away from the host plant. Then cut down through the shield leaves to remove a section of plantlets. Reduce the number of fronds per plantlet. Drop all sections into a mild solution of Phosacid bath to kill any Phytopthera etc, from the field collection. Drain. Keep moist during preparation.
For nursery stock, remove from the pot. Wash all soil from the roots. Carefully cut apart each clump or seperate plantlet, ensure each section has roots attached. Remove damaged roots. Reduce the number of fronds per section by 50%. Keep moist during preparation.
Peatmoss or Coco Peat
Keep hydrated during prep. Attach to backing boardor log as soon as possible. Wrap nursery binding cloth onto the backing material. Pack planting medium/humus firmly down the back of the plantlet. Water in with dilute 30ml Seasol and 10ml Plant Starter solution to 5 lt. water. Place outside in a shady, moist position.
Strike Rate:- Field Stock 60 – 85%
Nursery Stock 99%
Rooting time:- Field Stock 8 - 12 weeks
Nursery Stock 4 - 6 weeks
Fresh Spore
The sori on the end of the frond will turn brown when ripe, Place mature fronds, cut into smaller sections, in a paper bag and keep warm and dry. After a few days the spores and frass will collect in the bottom of the bag, remove the fine spore dust, place in sealed, dry container. Store in a cool dark place. Sow spore as soon as possible after collection.
Peat Moss / Coco Peat sterilized with boiling water.
Sow spores as soon after collection as possible for best results. Once the sterilized medium has cooled, place in a pot, spread the spores over the medium. Cover the top of the pot immediately with clear plastic or glass. Stand the pot in a shallow dish of water. Place on 21° heated bed. Maintain a hothouse temperature around 21 - 25° at plant level, where possible. Remove cover 1 -2 weeks after first fronds appear. Allow to harden off before repotting.
Viable spores/gram:-
Germination time:- 2 – 8 weeks prothalli appear, a green scum on surface. 6 - 12 months for first fronds to appear.
Pricking out:- when 2nd frond appears to avoid over crowding
Tube mix:- Coco Peat or Peat Moss