How to Buy Staghorn Ferns

Overview

The broad, dark green leaves of the staghorn plant (Platycerium bifurcatum)--a fern native to the tropical jungles of Madagascar--can add an exotic element to your garden. Unlike most ferns, the staghorn doesn't grow in the soil but instead thrives on the wood of trees or light organic material like moss. You can buy staghorn ferns from a limited number of sources, depending on your location.

Step 1

Prepare for the staghorn fern. The University of Florida recommends growing the ferns in a wire basket filled with peat moss. Alternatively, gather pieces of wood and wire. Once you have the ferns, attach them to the wood with the wire, after which the ferns will cling to the wood and grow.

Step 2

Purchase the staghorn ferns from a fern specialist in your city or town. This is ideal for healthy specimens, and is often cheaper than buying ferns via the Internet or mail. Obtain referrals to a staghorn fern specialist in your area through the American Fern Society (see Resources), one of the largest associations for fern enthusiasts in the world.

Step 3

Obtain staghorn ferns from a national nursery that ships staghorn ferns via mail. This is ideal if you don't have a fern specialist in your area, or if you want large quantities of staghorn ferns. Example nurseries include Madagascar Tropicals and the Fern Factory. Additional referrals may often be obtained through local nurseries.

Step 4

Check the classified ads. Sometimes, nurseries and hobbyists try to unload excess ferns at discounted rates. Note that such plants may sometimes be in less than optimum health.