Living Lace® Sword Dance™ Staghorn Fern Platycerium bifurcatum
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Details
12 - 36 Inches0 -0 -30cm - 91cm0cm0cmFeatures
‘Sword Dance’ is a staghorn fern, aptly named for its strappy, elongated fronds that are akin the blades of a sword. Swaying together, these fronds are embellished with tiny scale-like hairs that give a silvery, felted appearance and help ‘Sword Dance’ absorb nutrients and retain moisture. That said, avoid using leaf shine products or wiping away this layer of fuzz. In nature, staghorn ferns typically grow as epiphytes on the surface of other plants, such as clinging to the crook of a tree. Consequently, they don’t require much soil fertility, can thrive in diffuse or indirect sunlight, and prefer to dry out completely in between watering. ‘Sword Dance’ is a more compact, bushy staghorn for any plant lover hoping to incorporate a touch of pre-historic intrigue into their home.
Adaptable As HouseplantFoliage InterestHarmful To:PetsCharacteristics
Plant Type:HouseplantHeight Category:MediumHeight:12 - 36 Inches 30cm - 91cmFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Shade:GreenHabit:UprightContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:HighLight Requirement:MediumLow - No direct sun, not near a window. Medium - Medium bright indirect light in the AM or PM, typically from an east or west window. High - Bright direct or indirect light for much of the day, typically from a south window.
Maintenance Category:ModeratePreferred Temperature:60 - 85 °FWater Category:AverageHumidity Preference:MediumContainer Soil Type:Indoor Potting MixNeeds Good DrainageUses:Bright SpacesUses:Epiphyte (a plant that attaches itself to another plant for support)Uses:Humid SpacesUses:Specimen or Focal PointUses Notes:Not for human or animal consumption.
Maintenance Notes:- For optimal performance, keep your Staghorn Fern at 60-85°F (15-29°C).
- Staghorn Ferns thrive in medium to bright indirect light. They do not do well in direct sunlight, especially if it is intense midday sun. Eastern- or western-facing windows are ideal.
- Staghorn Ferns prefer medium to high humidity of 30-40% to prevent their edges from turning brown. Cold drafts and forced air can also lead to browning tips and edges. You can supplement their humidity by misting them regularly.
- Staghorn Ferns prefer moist, but not soggy soil. Be sure to water when the top inch of soil feels dry, or if you notice the fronds wilting. Ensure good drainage and do not allow your Staghorn to sit in water for extended periods of time, after it has received a good soaking.
- Feed your Staghorn Fern once per month at half strength when it is actively growing. Reduce frequency of fertilization in the winter months.
- Protect furniture when watering & fertilizing.
- You can keep your Staghorn Fern looking its best by periodically removing any dried or dead fronds with a clean pair of shears.
- Staghorn Ferns prefer to be rootbound, and should only be potted up every couple years. When repotting your Staghorn Fern, use an all-purpose potting mix, with perlite & orchid bark added to ensure good drainage.
- Staghorn Ferns are epiphytic plants that grow, in nature, on other trees, rather than in the soil. As such, you may opt to mount your Staghorn Fern to a board, a bark slab, or a wire basket that can be mounted to the wall, as it matures. This is done by embedding the roots of your Staghorn Fern in some sphagnum moss or peat and securing it to your mount with fishing string or wire.
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