Although ferns are a category of plant, ‘Fern’ is not a genus. Instead, the name fern describes any non-flowering plant with leaves which run along either side of the stem. These divided leaves are called fronds. Although ferns don’t bear flowers (they reproduce via spores!), this doesn’t mean that they can’t be a lively addition to an apartment or home. A well cared-for fern can be a truly zen thing to behold, with vivid green leaves and an arching shape reminiscent of a shelter or a waterfall. Because fern isn’t a genus, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ for caring for them and an experimental plant owner won’t have a lot of luck trying to cross-pollinate for a ‘Frankenstein Fern’. However, plenty of ferns are kind plants for new owners, proving themselves hardy and easy to grow.
Staghorn Fern
Botanical Name: Platycerium Andinum
These ferns, originating in Peru and Bolivia and the only species of Platycerium found in the Americas at all, are now kept worldwide as houseplants. As the common name of ‘Staghorn Fern’ suggests, the impressive fronds of these ferns bear a resemblance to a stag’s antlers. Like many ferns, the Staghorn Fern is a vivid green in colour. The biggest Staghorn Ferns can grow to be up to 24 inches, so it’s worth making plenty of room for them.
First-time owners will be pleased to know that the Staghorn is a perennial, meaning that it lasts year-round without dying (provided it is well cared-for). An owner need not splash out on specialist soil, as the Staghorn grows quite happily in regular store-bought soil. As with any plant, they like some water, but are drought-resistant and will survive a forgetful owner without much trouble. Reinforcing its reputation for being easy to care for, the Staghorn fern grows well in the shade – and indeed would do very well on the shady side of an otherwise well-lit room.
Staghorn Ferns are easy to grow in pots and baskets, but for a touch of fairy-tale wonder, an ambitious plant-owner could attempt to emulate the way they can sometimes be seen growing in the wild: with their fronds deeply ingrained in a block of wood.
Plant Care
A weekly drink is good but give him a squirt throughout the week to give it a taste of what’s to come
Average to well-drained
Don’t let those horn like leaves put you off, he’s a complete animal lover
Wood Thief: Watch out for your wood. This one loves nothing more than to mount himself onto wooden plaques. If you can, keep him humid, he will thank you for it.