I've always wanted one of these. Even before I became a Master Gardener my eyes would become green with envy towards anyone who was lucky to own one. I just think they're intriguing. Platycerium is the genus and is only one of the 18 species in the Polypod family, Polypodiaceae (pronunciation can be found here http://goo.gl/heo3pd ). A quick look on EBay will show you that these go for high bucks. Some folks have taken to selling the spores since ferns reproduce by spore, for as little as half a sawbuck (pun intended) or as much as $2500 for fully grown and mounted large ferns. Even in the big box construction stores I've seen them ranging from $45 and up, but $45 is usually what I find. So the other day when I was making a grocery run I was shocked to spy one in a 6” pot outside the store. At first I couldn't believe it, and since it was one of the pricier grocery stores I figured I might be able to get it for 19.99 but I was even more shocked that it was only $6.99! So, I left behind the imported goat cheese and bought my long desired fern.

Close up of staghorn fern and it's shields. (Photos by Patricia Brantley)

After getting it home and doing my bit of research I've found that it is improperly planted. Apparently these plants are actually epiphytes. You know like those little air plants you see hanging on driftwood here. They are non-parasitic plants that grow on trees or other plants and get their moisture from the air. I will need to “transplant” my new Staghorn Netherlands to at the minimum a much looser draining soil and hopefully one day be able to display it on the wall. Also, it's listed on the UCANR website list of “safe” plants found here, http://goo.gl/bBsoKc , so I don't have to worry so much about my 4-pawed menagerie. Please note the warning on “safe” plants still; we don't want anyone thinking they can have staghorn salad.