I got this plant from a place I worked a few years ago and I'm wanting to transplant it. My moms friend said that it was an "air plant" but it is in soil. I definately don't have a green thumb but for the most part I haven't killed it. I'm just wondering if anybody can identify what kind of plant it is so I can research on the best ways to transplant it without killing it and maybe care for it properly. Thanks! p.s. Please note the dried leaves at the bottom of the plant.. not to sure what function they serve but I'm sure it's of some importance.
Welcome VBrown. Possibly Platycerium bifurcatum. Common name, Common staghorn fern. http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week117.shtml
Yes I guess it does somewhat look like that. I find my plants "fingers" are more rounded whereas the Staghorn Ferns are pointy. I'll keep that in mind though. Thank you very much!
VBrown, I looks like your fern is planted in dirt. The one I have is planted in a little dirt mixed with alot of orchid bark. They are air plants in the fact that in their native habitat they grow in the crotches of trees or where ever dead leaves and stuff builds up, much like some orchids. You can get all sorts of 'How to grow them' on line. Don't worry about which fern it is I've never been able to tell which is which either and don't try to rub off all the fuzz like I did - It's supposed to be there. Welcome to this forum. Given the area this forum draws from someone usually knows what to do. barb
Yep, it's a staghorn. The 'dead' leaves are its gripper devices for suction-cupping itself to its home. As for the term 'air plant'---well, sorta. Folks can and often do grow them attached to a board sort of arrangement mounted on a wall, and staghorns can get by with little moisture and low light. Have mine in one of those fiber hanging baskets.
Awesome! Well thank you to all that helped. It definately is a good plant for me because I don't have much of a green thumb. Another questions I guess when transplanting it is: Does it matter if I remove the leaves are are holding it where it is?
