Amazing Staghorn Fern Spores - Platycerium superbum - Fresh Spores
 
Cultivate your own magnificent Staghorn Fern from these fresh, viable spores of Platycerium superbum. Renowned for its impressive, architectural fronds that resemble deer antlers, this epiphytic wonder makes a stunning focal point in any shaded garden, conservatory, or as an indoor specimen. Experience the rewarding process of growing these unique plants from their very beginning.
 
 
Growing Instructions:
Timing: The best time to sow spores is during the warmer months of spring and summer, when temperatures are consistently mild to warm, and humidity is naturally higher.
Sterilization is Key: Staghorn fern spores are susceptible to contamination.
Substrate: Prepare a sterile, finely milled substrate. A good option is finely chopped sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite, sterilized by baking it in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, or microwaving it until steaming. Let it cool completely.
Container: Use a clean, clear plastic container with a lid (like a takeaway container or a propagator tray). Sterilize it by washing thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinsing well, or by wiping with rubbing alcohol.
 
 
Sowing:
Place the cooled, sterile substrate into your clean container, pressing it down gently but not compacting it too much.
Carefully tap the spores onto the surface of the substrate. Aim for an even, thin dusting. Do not cover the spores with substrate.
Lightly mist the surface with distilled or rainwater to settle the spores.
Place the lid on the container to create a humid environment.
 
 
Environment:
Light: Position the container in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cook the delicate spores. A bright window out of direct sun or under grow lights works well.
Humidity & Moisture: Maintain high humidity within the sealed container. The substrate should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged. You shouldn't need to water frequently if the container is sealed properly.
Temperature: Ideal germination temperatures range from 20∘C to 28∘C (68∘F to 82∘F).
 
 
Germination & Development:
Prothalli: Over several weeks to months, you'll first see a green film developing on the surface – these are the prothalli, the gametophyte stage of the fern.
Sporophytes: Eventually, tiny true fern fronds (sporophytes) will emerge from the prothalli. This can take many months.
Transplanting: Once the tiny sporophytes have developed their second or third true frond and are robust enough to handle (usually a few centimeters tall), you can carefully prick them out and transplant them into individual small pots with a well-draining, airy mix suitable for epiphytes (e.g., orchid mix, bark, coarse perlite).
Ongoing Care: Gradually introduce the young ferns to lower humidity as they grow. Provide bright, indirect light and allow the potting medium to dry slightly between waterings once established. As they mature, they can be mounted on boards or placed in hanging baskets.
 
Contains aprox 200 Spores (very tiny!)