What to Do: Staghorns and Elkhorns
Presenter: Kim Syrus
Episode: 21 (15 September 2007)
If you are looking for something different in the garden why not try a plant that doesn’t need any soil, will grow in any size garden, seems to live on fresh air and enjoys just hanging around.
Staghorns and Elkhorns are some of the most spectacular plants you are ever likely to come across. The difference between them is fairly simple. Elkhorns have lots of long thin leaves which look like antlers poking out of the plant. Staghorns are a little cabbage like and produce a large leafy rosette.
These plants are so easy to grow and the only time they need any attention is when their backboard rots or they outgrow it. At these times they can need some serious maintenance.
Quite often the plants will have a mass of foliage which needs to be removed and the best way to approach them is with a saw. Take a line that leaves a front growing section of the plant. Saw through making sure it is a nice a straight cut and be careful not to damage the plants central growth point.
Once the trimming is complete it is time to create a new backboard. Lay out some hardwood panels, a couple of braces and secure with plenty of galvanised nails. Position the staghorn or elkhorn on the board and mark a couple of holes under the plant at the top and the bottom, then drill the holes.
Lay a handful of sphagnum moss on the board which will hold lots of moisture and stop the plant from drying out, add a handful of Yates Dynamic Lifter to get the plant off to a flying start. Make sure the plant is centred and then secure the plant by lopping across the plant and through your pre drilled holes. Always use aluminium wire as it will not rust.
Pack some more sphagnum moss behind the plants and water in well with some seaweed extract. Secure your plants to its new pride of place position.
Water your Stags and Elks once a week during the dry months by dribbling a little bit of water down the back of the plant. Apply the add banana peel and a handful of fertiliser and your plants will look great all year round.
The Products
Yates Dynamic Lifter
Use to gently feed all types of garden and potted plants, including Australian native plants. Releases nutrients slowly, improve the structure and moisture retention of the soil and encourage earthworms and beneficial soil micro-organisms. Organic ingredients release nutrients slowly, feeding up to 10 sq metres per kg. Added Blood and Bone, fishmeal and seaweed help to organically enrich and improve the soil. Pelletised to make it easy to apply.
The Plants
Elkhorn (Platycerium bifurcatum)
Staghorn (Platycerium superbum)
Episode: 21 (15 September 2007)
If you are looking for something different in the garden why not try a plant that doesn’t need any soil, will grow in any size garden, seems to live on fresh air and enjoys just hanging around.
Staghorns and Elkhorns are some of the most spectacular plants you are ever likely to come across. The difference between them is fairly simple. Elkhorns have lots of long thin leaves which look like antlers poking out of the plant. Staghorns are a little cabbage like and produce a large leafy rosette.
These plants are so easy to grow and the only time they need any attention is when their backboard rots or they outgrow it. At these times they can need some serious maintenance.
Quite often the plants will have a mass of foliage which needs to be removed and the best way to approach them is with a saw. Take a line that leaves a front growing section of the plant. Saw through making sure it is a nice a straight cut and be careful not to damage the plants central growth point.
Once the trimming is complete it is time to create a new backboard. Lay out some hardwood panels, a couple of braces and secure with plenty of galvanised nails. Position the staghorn or elkhorn on the board and mark a couple of holes under the plant at the top and the bottom, then drill the holes.
Lay a handful of sphagnum moss on the board which will hold lots of moisture and stop the plant from drying out, add a handful of Yates Dynamic Lifter to get the plant off to a flying start. Make sure the plant is centred and then secure the plant by lopping across the plant and through your pre drilled holes. Always use aluminium wire as it will not rust.
Pack some more sphagnum moss behind the plants and water in well with some seaweed extract. Secure your plants to its new pride of place position.
Water your Stags and Elks once a week during the dry months by dribbling a little bit of water down the back of the plant. Apply the add banana peel and a handful of fertiliser and your plants will look great all year round.
The Products
Yates Dynamic Lifter
Use to gently feed all types of garden and potted plants, including Australian native plants. Releases nutrients slowly, improve the structure and moisture retention of the soil and encourage earthworms and beneficial soil micro-organisms. Organic ingredients release nutrients slowly, feeding up to 10 sq metres per kg. Added Blood and Bone, fishmeal and seaweed help to organically enrich and improve the soil. Pelletised to make it easy to apply.
The Plants
Elkhorn (Platycerium bifurcatum)
Staghorn (Platycerium superbum)
AS SEEN ON 
