What is that Plant? A Close-up visit with Staghorn Ferns
By Karen Maxwell, Horticultural Specialist
Working in the gardens at Edison and Ford Winter Estates is truly a unique experience and fielding questions from guests about our extraordinary plant life is always a pleasure. Without a doubt, the most frequent inquiry is about our magnificent Staghorn Ferns found throughout the site. Perhaps you’ve seen them a hundred times and from a distance, they all seem to look alike, but let’s take a closer look at this exotic and curious plant.
Native to the rainforests of tropical Asia, Africa and Australia, our ferns are in the genus Platycerium, the name coming from the Greek for broad and horn of which we have two species: Platycerium bifurcatum, and Platycerium hillii, two species which thrive in our wet/dry environment, along with many cultivars (the result of purposeful or natural cross breeding). Ours are of the hardy species, meaning they can survive very brief periods of cold, down to 35 degrees or so. Of the 17 or 18 known species, collectors and scientists are hard pressed to positively identify all of the of cultivars or hybrids (hybrid or cultivar means the new plant will produce genetically matching offspring) and some may just be sports (genetic mutations that exist today). Despite the numerous variants in appearances, all Platycerium share common features: the same reproductive strategy, two kinds of fronds, a communal growth pattern, and basic environmental needs, though the size and width of fronds and direction of growth may vary greatly between species. P. bifurcatum, native to Australia and New Guinea is the most-commonly grown species and is the species or at least a parent of most of the Staghorn Ferns on our property.
As we see them suspended from chains and hanging on heavy tree limbs throughout the Estates, it is easy to forget their origins. Platycerium are ferns native to humid tropical rainforests and like orchids and bromeliads, they are considered epiphytes, meaning in the wild they live a soil-less existence, growing on the branches of trees, often in the canopy of forests, but in no way is one considered parasitic to the other. As a true fern, they neither produce fruit or flowers.
Staghorn Ferns are also called Elkhorn Ferns (particularly those with narrow fronds) or Moosehead Ferns due to the forked or antler like appearance of the fronds. Like all ferns, they naturally reproduce by spores. The pups can be removed once they are at least six inches wide and either planted or mounted on their own.
Alternatively, we may propagate them by division which is much quicker. In this method, a sharp knife is used to cut away sections that will then be mounted to a board, using sphagnum moss as a backing and securely tying the new section to the board that may later be attached to a chain and tree. The new Staghorn will grow right over its new mount.
When viewing one of our massive ferns (older ones may grow to weigh about 300 pounds), one is actually looking at a colony of individual ferns working together as a community to provide resources to all the residents. It was reported in Scientific Naturalist in May 2021 by researchers Burns, Hutton and Shephard that the Staghorn Fern is unique in the world of plants in that within a collection of ferns that appear as one, there is actually a division of labor – specific tasks performed by different ferns to insure the health and survival of the colony, much the way bees work.
Platycerium are made up of two distinct fronds: the basal or shield frond and the longer strap frond. Basal or shield fronds grow in individual halves and appear as one piece when mature, and they remain green while they are growing. The purpose of the shield or basal frond is to collect and hold moisture and nutrients. The shape of the shield frond, particularly its top edge, is a useful key in species identification along with how the particular shield frond attaches itself to the mother plant.
As they age, their color turns to a shade of soft cinnamon. In P. bifurcatum, the shield frond grows tight against the old growth, while the French Silver Staghorn Fern (P. veitchii), another species that will grow well in South Florida (though not as hardy as P. bifurcatum) has a top edge of the shield that is deeply and irregularly lobed. In the research conducted by Burns, Hutton & Shephard, they realized that the shield fronds actually soak up more moisture and water than the strap fronds or leaves that protrude from the collective.
At the base of each shield frond, there is a bud, which will produce the strap fronds (also called fertile fronds). These are recognized by their short stem and forking, which gives these plants their common name. Four out of every 10 strap fronds cannot reproduce and the remaining, or fertile fronds will produce spores that give the feel of velvet on the underside of the fronds. This velvet pattern is known as the sporangia and where it occurs on the frond is another key to identification of Platycerium species P. Hillii.
With the onset of warmer weather, the sporangia will appear and get continuously darker until they burst and expel their spores during the summer months. After the spores are released, the fertile fronds will return to their full green appearance. Each new frond will last between two to three years before they are replaced by longer and larger fronds.
With strap fronds of P. bifurcatum, the protruding leaves grow upright when new and as they age, they will hang down. Bifurcatum means twice divided, and the narrow wedge-shaped fronds divide into two major forks, and ultimately two to eight final splits or fingers. As in the shape of the shield frond, the shape and direction of growth of the strap fronds are further keys to establishing species identification. In addition to producing the spores that will result in the reproduction of the staghorn fern, the strap fronds are often covered with a waxy or dust-like substance (which should never be wiped off). It was discovered that this fabric of very fine hairs, actually allows the strap fronds to direct water to the nest of shield fronds which may further distribute their collected water via the fine rhizomatous root system hidden behind the shield fronds to the rest of the plant colony.
All staghorn ferns will thrive in high humidity – ideally over 70 percent – and those fine hairs on the strap fronds easily absorb the ambient humidity. These plants can be easily grown as houseplants if grown with a nice loose and well-draining soil in a pot, while providing their preferred indirect light and high humidity (it’s possible they will only ever produce strap fronds). Staghorn ferns should never be grown in full sunlight. A filtered light or shady spot is ideal and giving each one its own space will provide the best setting to appreciate their beautiful growth patterns and individuality. If grown as a mounted specimen, it will take the plant six to seven years to produce fertile fronds, provided all of its natural requirements are met. Staghorns will get all the water they need if grown outdoors in South Florida. If we have an extended hot spell, (when temperatures remain above 80 degrees) without water, an occasional hose spray once a week will be appreciated. When it’s cooler, the staghorn doesn’t need much water.
Here at Edison Ford, our climate is quite suitable to P. bifurcatum, so no additional feeding is necessary as the plant derives all its needs from the rain, humidity and detritus that falls onto and breaks down on top of the colony. There is street lore that cutting up a banana peel and placing pieces under the shield fronds will feed the Staghorn. While it does offer a little potassium and phosphorous, that alone isn’t sufficient for a mature Staghorn fern as it also needs nitrogen to grow. If grown indoors, a balanced liquid fertilizer twice a year is all that is needed. Some growers caution against using banana peel, as commercial bananas are treated with a fungicide which may not be healthy for the Staghorn.
A mature P. bifurcatum can grow to four feet wide in approximately 20 years and outgrows many gardens in Southwest Florida. Because of this, Edison Ford has become the recipient of approximately 30 different Platyceriums, the majority being cultivars of the P. bifurcatum with shield fronds about 12 inches wide and strap fronds to three and a half feet long.
The French Silver Staghorn (P. veitchii), which can also be grown in Southwest Florida has narrow strap fronds, gets its common name from the fine matted hairs that protect the fronds from sun and give the two-foot fronds a whitish-gray appearance. It is considered semi-hardy to 40 degrees, so some cover during very cold periods should be provided. The other so-called hardy Staghorn fern in our gardens is P. hillii, generally considered a desert species; however, at Edison Ford, we have the cultivar Magnificent, which produces dark green strap fronds nearly two-feet wide and three-feet long with distinctive kidney shaped, 20-inch-wide shield fronds. The shortened fingers of the new fronds grow upright and since this desert species plant is actually thriving in our humid climate, perhaps it has some P. bifurcatum in its lineage.
The Dwarf Staghorn, (Cheiroglossa palmate, syn. Ophioglossum palmatum) is a rare and small Florida native fern, unrelated to the Staghorn fern, but it grows similarly. Discovered in 1875, growing abundantly in Sabal palms along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, it is also known as the Hand Fern and is considered endangered due to over collecting and reduction of native, humid hammocks. Not only is it illegal to collect the Dwarf Staghorn, but it is also important to note that it’s impossible to transplant or cultivate the plant once it is removed or detached from its home in an old boot or leaf base of the Sabal Palm.
As new fronds for all Staghorn ferns take on many different shapes until they mature, it is important to purchase a rare variety from a reputable dealer or assume the plant is P. bifurcatum as it is the most common and easiest grown Staghorn in Southwest Florida. They grow so easily that the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council has it listed as a category # invasive species.
Generally free from pest problems, the inside of the mature colony is dead but as it naturally grows on a strong tree, the mature staghorn can return the favor and serve as the host to other plants. Thanks to Mother Nature, the birds and other means of plants finding new homes, some of our Staghorns at Edison are homes to
orchids, air plants, and in one case, a young Royal Palm has taken up residence.
Upon your next visit to Edison Ford, take a closer look at any two Staghorn Ferns and see if you can spot the differences.
*Indicates plants in the Edison and Ford Winter Estates gardens.
Congratulation to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Robotics Team, “Assembly Required!”
Congratulations to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Robotics Team, “Assembly Required!” The FIRST LEGO league division competed against 31 other teams in the Regional Championship for the Southwest Florida region. “Assembly Required” registered the 2nd top robot game score at 340 points and won 1st place in the Championship Award, which is given to the team with the best overall performance in all categories.
At the regional level, the top seven teams advanced to the State Championship, with the 2nd top team also advancing to the National Invitational, and the top team advancing to the FIRST World Invitational in Houston, Texas. “Assembly Required” will advance to the State Championship for the robot game and to the World Invitational for the best overall performance. The competition involved four categories: robot game, technical design, project (similar to a group science fair project), and core value.
In addition, Pearce Augustenborg, the Education Manager for EFWE and the coach and mentor for the team was nominate for and received the Coach and Mentor Award. Augustenborg also writes the curriculum and teaches the Summer Camp and other education programs at EFWE.
The team is currently sponsored by the Scientists’ Society of Southwest Florida and TLC Engineering. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available and donations are being accepted to help fund the team’s trip to Texas. To donate, click here and select the education option or call 239-334-7419.
Art in Bloom Art Show Winners
Thank you to all the artists and floral designers from the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council for participating in Art in Bloom on March 6! We received 365 votes during the show. The People’s choice winners are as follows:
1st Place: Anita Singh interpreted “Hitching a Ride” by Connie Kilebrew
2nd Place: Terry Pinck interpreted the “Measure of Mairgolds” by Megan Kissigner
3rd Place: Warren Sanders interpreted “Woe is Me” by Connie Kilebrew
The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council, Inc. formed in 1957 as the Fort Myers Garden Council and included nine local clubs and societies. In 1967, it was renamed the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council to include a broader geography. The Council now consists of more than 18 garden clubs, nine plant societies and two affiliates, totaling more than 1,530 members. The Council aims to educate the community, beautify the environment and encourage conservation of vital natural resources. The Council is located at the Berne Davis Gardens, next door to the Estates.
Historical Connection: Ella Mae Piper
By Marketing Coordinator, Alexandria Edwards
March is Women’s History Month in the United States, which encourages the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. An extraordinary example is Dr. Ella Mae Piper. Dr. Piper was a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist who worked with many influential individuals on community projects throughout Fort Myers, including Mina Edison.
She was born on March 8, 1884, in Brunswick, Georgia, and developed a passion for service as she was growing up, inspired by her mom, Sarah Williams. As a young woman, she attended Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia and studied chiropody at Professor Roherer’s World Famous Institute of Beauty Culture in New York City. After she graduated in 1915, she worked as a hairdresser and masseuse at the Twilight Inn in New York. According to a ledger found in her records, the young entrepreneur did scalp treatments for 75 cents, a shampoo for $1.25, and a manicure and pedicure for 60 cents.
In 1916, Ella moved to Fort Myers to be closer to her mom and opened her first beauty shop across from Englehart’s Mortuary on Jackson Street. When the City of Fort Myers made the decision to extend Main Street, Piper and her husband Frank purchased land from Richard and Julia Barker on Evans Avenue for $500, where she built her own parlor. In addition, she owned the Big 4 Bottle Company on Mango and Evans, where customers could enjoy soft drinks for just 5 cents a bottle. Some of her long-time, loyal customers were Thomas and Mina Edison and it was the one place they never failed to stop during their visits to Fort Myers.
While Mrs. Edison had her nails manicured or hair cut, Mr. Edison would wait in the shop and enjoyed ordering refreshing sodas. An acquaintance of Mrs. Piper, Geraldine Bostelman, recalled that “Ella would go over to Mrs. Edison’s to work on her feet and every now and then, she’d stop by and ask my children, Linda and Ernie, if they’d like to go see Mrs. Edison today, and she’d take them with her.”
Outside of her business endeavors, Ella wanted to make a difference in the lives of those around her and started volunteering in the Dunbar community with Sarah Williams – Ella’s mom. They started the first Christmas celebration for the residents in 1915, which is now an annual tradition. After Mrs. Williams passed away in 1926, Ella continued this large party with the help of many churches, businesses, and friends who provided generous donations. Reportedly, 15 girls attended the first gathering and today, nearly 600 boys and girls attend this event, held on the lawn at the Dr. Piper Center.
In addition, she helped build the Dunbar Community School, an adult education and lifelong learning center. When a new building was added to the school’s auditorium in 1937, Mina Edison was the guest of honor. Mina also had a special interest in the Dunbar community – commonly known as Safety Hill – and served as chairman of the Safety Hill Garden Club. She coordinated a group to clean up the sandy roads and plant trees, shrubs, and flowers to make the schools and churches look more visually appealing.
Mrs. Piper commended Mina’s work with the Plant and Flower Guild and shared how generous she was for taking time to improve the school grounds, stating in a speech, “much of the work done in this section was led by Mrs. Hughes (formerly Edison), and we want to thank her for the many things she has done for us.” In response, Mina praised the work of the teachers and Mrs. Piper for dedicating countless hours to ensure the students received a quality education, something that Mrs. Edison highly valued. Mina urged that nature study be included as one of major courses offered at the school as it covers everything from “the heavens to under the seas, with all the sciences of the air and earth.” In her closing remarks, Mina shared one of her late husband’s famous quotes, “everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.”
Piper was also active in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded the Tranquillo Temple, and served as an executive board member at the Elks Lodge for 26 years. A newspaper clipping from the Fort Myers Historical Museum shared that Mrs. Piper was re-elected Grand Assistant DT. Ruler of the World at the Elks Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.
Through all of her work, she developed very close and intimate relationships with many people, especially young children who needed support and guidance, which earned her the nickname “fairy godmother.” She helped them earn scholarships to Tuskegee College, funded in part by her own money. She had no children; however, one young woman, Anna Heard, became very special to her and it was speculated that she might have legally adopted her, although there is no record of that in Lee County. Ella put the young lady through beauty school, and they worked together for many years at the beauty shop.
Another prominent person in Ella’s life was C.B. Earle, a retired head redcap from the Grand Central or Penn Station in New York City. Both lived at Ella’s home at the corner of Evans and Mango Street and she requested that her home and belongings be transferred to them when she passed away. The beauty shop was also rented to Heard at a reasonable rate. Ella also made sure that any remaining principle and income be paid to charities that provide for children and the elderly, selected by her trustee, Ernest Bostelmann, the Mayor of Fort Myers and President of the Lee County Chamber of Commerce.
The Piper residence was torn down in the mid-1970s due to the high costs of renovating it for public use. Adjacent to the former location of the home, the Dr. Ella Piper Center was built and dedicated in June of 1976. This center seeks to enhance the social and economic well-being of the frail elderly who reside in Southwest Florida, at-risk youth, special needs children, and the community at large. Nearly 50 years later, the Dr. Piper Center continues to carry out the philosophies and visions that Ella had for the Fort Myers community. Today, the Center has five major programs, including training low-income senior citizens, a foster grandparent system, and resources for adults who do not have access to safe, reliable transportation. To learn more about the Center, visit drpipercenter.org.
Visitors can also enjoy a nice meal at Ella Mae’s Diner, located at the Luminary Hotel in historic downtown Fort Myers. They provide a twist to a classic southern diner, inspired by traditional neighborhood favorites. The mission of the restaurant is to celebrate Piper’s legacy, and it serves as a hub for the community to come together and share stories as they enjoy a nice meal surrounded by vintage décor.
Similar to the Dr. Piper Center, Edison and Ford Winter Estates serves to continue the legacy of many pioneer figures, including Mina Edison. Education programs teach young kids the importance of challenging your mind, stepping out of your comfort zone, and being innovative. The variety of botanicals on the site are a reminder that caring for plants and the environment are great ways to encourage sustainability, inspired by Mina Edison’s love for gardening and use of plants to improve many areas in Fort Myers.
We hope you take time to visit Edison and Ford Winter Estates, as well as many of the cultural institutions in Fort Myers soon and gain some inspiration to foster positive change in your community!
