{"product_id":"netherlands-staghorn-fern-platycerium-bifurcatum-netherlands","title":"Netherlands Staghorn Fern - Platycerium bifurcatum 'Netherlands'","description":"\u003cp\u003eNetherlands Staghorn Fern (\u003cem\u003ePlatycerium bifurcatum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Netherlands') is a compact form of the classic Australian staghorn, reaching about 60cm high and 1m wide, around half the bulk of the species. Broad, fan-shaped fronds form a nest on top while heavily divided fronds hang below like antlers. Mounted on a tree or grown in a pot, it adds drama and a sense of age to a shaded garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHalf the size of the species.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Netherlands form stays compact, so it suits courtyards, verandahs and small trees.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA sculptural shape.\u003c\/strong\u003e Shield-like fronds form a nest, and divided fronds hang below like a stag's antlers. Young leaves are strappy and take on the divided shape as they mature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAn Australian native.\u003c\/strong\u003e The species is native to Queensland and New South Wales, as well as parts of Java and Indonesia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo soil bed needed.\u003c\/strong\u003e As an epiphyte it grows on a tree branch or a mount, which saves garden space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy to multiply.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rooted plantlets can be separated and tied onto new trees, so one plant can become several over the years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTied to a tree.\u003c\/strong\u003e Fix it to a trunk or branch where it gets dappled light, using old tights or stretchy bands that will not cut into the plant. Avoid deep shade, and allow about 1m of space for the fronds to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVerandahs, courtyards and pots.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mounted on a board or in a hanging basket, it makes a living wall feature in a sheltered spot. A young plant also looks good in a pot on a bright windowsill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Netherlands Staghorn Fern in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Dappled light, humidity and temperatures above 5C. It comes from tropical and subtropical rainforest, so tropical, subtropical and sheltered warm temperate gardens suit it best. In colder areas grow it in a pot and bring it indoors for winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e None in the usual sense. It grows on bark, a branch or a wire mount, with sphagnum moss or coarse bark around the roots. If potted, use an open, orchid style mix, not garden soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e In dry summer weeks, water the nest and the roots, letting it dry slightly between drinks. Add diluted seaweed solution every month, and cut back watering and feeding in winter. Some gardeners drop cold tea leaves or banana skins into the nest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e None needed. The brown shield fronds at the base protect the roots, so leave them in place. To make new plants, separate rooted plantlets and tie them to fresh trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Netherlands Staghorn Fern as tube stock and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, though it builds its full shape over several seasons, while the 200mm pots give you a more developed plant to mount straight away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ferns-for-shady-areas\"\u003eFerns for shady areas\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/palms-ferns-tropical\"\u003ePalms, ferns and tropical plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/ideal-fern-environments-in-your-garden\"\u003eGrowing ferns in Australia: light, humidity and placement\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plants-for-partial-shade\"\u003ePlants for partial shade\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I grow it indoors?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, while it is small. Choose bright, indirect light and some humidity, then move it to a tree or board outside as it grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I water a staghorn?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn dry summer weeks, give the nest and roots a soak, then let it dry slightly before the next. Cut back watering and feeding in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it safe for pets?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn ferns are not listed as toxic to cats or dogs, so a mounted plant is a safe choice for a pet friendly garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":67790870184255,"sku":"PLA-BIF-NETHER-tube","price":28.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"200mm (Pack of 6)","offer_id":67790870249791,"sku":"PLA-BIF-NETHER-200MM-P6","price":200.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/netherlands-staghorn-fern-platycerium-bifurcatum-netherlands.jpg?v=1792210589","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/netherlands-staghorn-fern-platycerium-bifurcatum-netherlands","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}