Platycerium wandae, the Queen staghorn fern, is a large epiphytic fern native to New Guinea, known for its impressive fronds that resemble deer antlers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright, filtered light similar to its natural forest habitat. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds.
Water when dry
50% intensity
Allow potting medium to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-draining, airy potting mix (e.g., orchid mix or a blend of peat moss, perlite, and bark)
50% intensity
Warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C.
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce or stop in cooler months.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the potting medium feels dry to the touch, typically once or twice a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in cooler months. Avoid waterlogging the roots, as this can lead to rot.
Staghorns prefer consistent moisture but not soggy conditions.
Remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing fronds at their base using clean, sharp shears. This encourages new growth and maintains the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Avoid pruning healthy fronds unless absolutely necessary for shaping or space constraints.
Propagate by dividing the rhizome when the plant is mature and has pups. Gently separate a small pup with its own roots from the mother plant.
Alternatively, spores can be used, but this is a slow and challenging method requiring specific conditions.
Queen staghorn ferns are epiphytic and do not require frequent repotting. When necessary, typically every 2-3 years, mount them onto a suitable board or tree fern slab using sphagnum moss and fishing line.
Ensure good air circulation around the roots.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Queen Staghorn Fern (Platycerium wandae)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Platycerium |
| Species | Platycerium wandae |
Similar in genus Platycerium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
