The Life Cycle of a Staghorn Fern

Like Spanish moss, staghorn ferns require other plants for support.

Unlike other ferns, Staghorn ferns are epiphytic, meaning they adhere to and grow on other plants because they do not have an established root system of their own.

Spores

Staghorn ferns start out as spores which grow on the underside of a mature plant's fertile leaves. Wind separates spores from parent leaves and the spores are distributed throughout the immediate area. These spores settle on tree limbs or other suitable supports. Once presented with good conditions, they begin to grow.

Growth

Nestled on a tree limb and taking in water, the spore begins to develop fertile leaves and infertile leaves. Infertile leaves are cupped for water collection and also enable the fern to adhere to its support. As these leaves die, other leaves grow to replace them, and in this way, the fern increases in size. Just as infertile leaves are responsible for sustaining the plant's life, fertile leaves are responsible for spreading the plant's life.

Reproduction

Staghorn fern's green fertile leaves actively engage in photosynthesis, creating the food necessary for the plant to survive, mature and reproduce. Though some fertile leaves produce spores, others produce "pups" or "plantlets." Growers can pinch off these plantlets and allow them to grow elsewhere. In nature, the plantlets detach and land on nearby surfaces, where they continue to grow and reproduce to complete the life cycle.

References

• Union County College: Staghorn Fern