What is the Difference Between Elkhorn and Staghorn

Elkhorn and Staghorn are two types of epiphytic ferns. This means they grow on trees but do not take nutrients from them. Both these plants are somewhat similar in appearance, so many people make the mistake of confusing one for the other.

What is the difference between Elkhorn and Staghorn? Elkhorn ferns grow in groups with fuzzy, broad fronds that spread out, while Staghorn ferns grow alone with smooth, upright fronds that look like deer antlers.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Elkhorn Ferns
     – Definition, Features
2. What are Staghorn Ferns
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Elkhorn and Staghorn
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Elkhorn and Staghorn
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Elkhorn and Staghorn
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Elkhorn, Staghorn

What are Elkhorn Ferns

The Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is a plant that grows on trees instead of in the soil. It belongs to the Polypodiaceae family and is found in Java, New Guinea, and Eastern Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, and Lord Howe Island. Its name comes from its large, branching fronds, which look like elk antlers. This fern has two types of leaves: broad, heart-shaped sterile fronds, which help it attach to trees or backing boards, and long, arching fertile fronds, which are strap-shaped, forked, and hung down.

Elkhorn Ferns grow in small groups and prefer light shade with some sunlight. They can be mounted on trees or attached to a board and hung on a wall for easy care. Since they are sensitive to cold, they should be protected from frost to stay healthy.

What are Staghorn Ferns

The Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) is very similar to the Elkhorn Fern, but there are some key differences. Staghorn Ferns have larger shield-like leaves at the base and branching, antler-shaped fronds on top. As they grow, some of these fronds will form in the middle and start to hang down.

One main difference is that the Staghorn Fern grows as a single plant (single eye), while Elkhorn Ferns grow in clusters of smaller plants (multiple eyes). Elkhorns have many slender fronds, whereas Staghorns tend to be larger and grow alone.

Like Elkhorn Ferns, Staghorns are epiphytic. This means they grow on trees but don’t take nutrients from them. Instead, they absorb moisture from the air, rain, and decaying matter around them.

Similarities Between Elkhorn and Staghorn

1. Both are epiphytic plants – they grow on trees but do not take nutrients from them.
2. They absorb moisture from the air, rain, and decaying matter around them.
3. Both need indirect light, high humidity, misting, and good air circulation.

Difference Between Elkhorn and Staghorn

Definition

• Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is an epiphytic fern that has fronds that spread out and look like elk or moose antlers whereas Staghorn Fern (Platycerium superbum) is an epiphytic fern that has fronds that look like deer or stag antlers.

Leaf Shape

• Elkhorn fern has broad, shield-like fronds that overlap, and they look like moose or elk antlers. Staghorn fern, on the other hand, has long, branching fronds that look more like deer or stag antlers.

Leaf Texture

• Elkhorn fern has thicker, slightly fuzzy, or felt-like fronds, while staghorn fern has smoother, more leathery, and less divided fonds.

Growth

• Elkhorn fern grows in clusters of smaller plants that spread out and may hang slightly, whereas staghorn fern grows as one large plant that stands more upright and wraps around its support.

Found in

• Elkhorn fern is found in eastern Australia, growing in rainforest understories and near creeks. Staghorn fern is found in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, growing high up in rainforest trees or on rocks.

Sunlight

• Elkhorn ferns can handle more sunlight than Staghorns, which prefer more shade.

Reproduction

• Elkhorn fern produces spores under its fronds to grow new plants, while staghorn fern can grow from spores or by removing baby plants (pups) from the base.

FAQ: Elkhorn and Staghorn

1. What is the difference between Elkhorn coral and Staghorn coral?

Elkhorn coral has broad, flat branches like elk antlers, while staghorn coral has thin, cylindrical branches like deer antlers. Elkhorn corals have a larger structure compared to Staghorn corals.

2. How to grow Staghorns and Elkhorns?

To grow Staghorn and Elkhorn ferns, you have to mount them on a board or tree, and place them in a place with bright, indirect light. Keep the air humid by misting them regularly and soaking them in water occasionally. They need warm temperatures and should be protected from frost.

3. How do I identify a Staghorn Fern?

You can identify a Staghorn Fern by its large, branching fronds that look like deer antlers. The plant grows as a single, upright structure with smooth, leathery leaves that can wrap around its support.

4. What are the characteristics of the Elkhorn fern?

The Elkhorn Fern has broad, shield-shaped fronds that look like moose or elk antlers. It grows in clusters, with some fronds spreading out horizontally. Moreover, the fronds have a fuzzy texture.

5. What are the characteristics of a staghorn fern?

The Staghorn Fern has branching, antler-like fronds that look like deer antlers. It grows as a single plant with smooth, leathery leaves and a shield-shaped base.

Reference:

1. “Elkhorn Fern Growing Guide.” Garden Express.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Platycerium superbum Coffs Harbour” By Poyt448 Peter Woodard – Own work, CC0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) (9951620343)” By Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE – Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia