🌿 Platycerium hillii
Staghorn Fern Care Sheet
Platycerium hillii is a compact, attractive staghorn fern native to Australia. It’s prized for its neat growth habit, rounded shield fronds, and antler-like fertile fronds. Compared to larger staghorns, P. hillii is more manageable and adapts well to indoor growing when conditions are right.
 
☀️ Light
Bright, indirect light is essential
Can tolerate gentle morning sun
❌ Avoid harsh midday or afternoon sun (leaf scorch risk)
💡 Too little light = slow growth and weak fronds
 
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal range: 18–30 °C
Minimum: 12–14 °C
Protect from cold drafts and winter chills
 
💧 Watering
Water when the mounting medium or basket feels mostly dry
Thoroughly soak, then allow to drain completely
Reduce watering in winter
⚠️ Overwatering is the fastest way to kill a staghorn
 
🌫️ Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity (50–80%)
Excellent for bathrooms, greenhouses, or humid rooms
In dry air, occasional misting helps (avoid constant wet leaves)
 
🌱 Growing Medium / Mounting
Best grown mounted or in open baskets
Use a very free-draining mix, such as:
Bark chips
Tree fern fibre
Sphagnum moss (sparingly)
🚫 Never use standard potting soil
 
🌿 Feeding
Light feeder
Apply diluted liquid fertiliser (¼ strength) once a month in spring–summer
Organic options (kelp, fish emulsion) work very well
Flush occasionally with clean water to prevent salt buildup
 
✂️ Maintenance
Do not remove brown shield fronds – they protect the plant
Remove only dead, damaged fertile fronds if necessary
Slow to moderate grower; patience is rewarded
 
🪴 Size & Growth Habit
Compact compared to many staghorns
Mature plants typically reach 30–50 cm across
Ideal for wall mounting or hanging displays
 
⚠️ Common Problems
Black or mushy base → Overwatering / poor airflow
Pale or thin fronds → Insufficient light
Dry, crispy tips → Very low humidity or underwatering
 
⭐ Summary
✔ Unique architectural foliage
✔ Compact and display-friendly
✔ Great indoor statement plant
✔ Long-lived with proper care
Bring a living sculpture to your space — Platycerium hillii never goes unnoticed 🌿🦌