How to Take Care of a Staghorn Fern – A Complete Guide

Staghorn ferns are stunning plants that can make a beautiful addition to any indoor or outdoor space With their unique antler-like fronds, they have an exotic, tropical look unlike any other plant Taking proper care of a staghorn fern may seem intimidating at first, but is quite straightforward once you understand their basic needs. In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to keep your staghorn fern healthy and thriving for years to come.

What are Staghorn Ferns?

Staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants meaning they grow on other plants and structures like trees and rocks rather than rooting in soil. There are around 17 species of staghorn ferns the most popular being Platycerium bifurcatum, commonly known as the common staghorn fern or elkhorn fern. Native to Australia and Southeast Asia, these ferns can grow quite large in tropical climates, forming massive clumps up to 6 feet across!

Staghorn ferns have two distinctive types of fronds (leaves). The first type are the erect, antler-shaped fronds that give them their name. These large, divided fronds arch up and out from the center of the plant. The second type are the nearly round shield fronds that form a base for the plant to grow on.

Unlike most plants, staghorn ferns don’t rely on seeds or flowers to reproduce. Instead they form spores on the edges of their shield fronds, which spread to form new baby ferns called pups.

Growing Conditions for Staghorn Ferns

In their natural habitat, staghorn ferns cling to tree branches high up in the canopy. This epiphytic growth habit gives us clues about the conditions they need to thrive:

Light: Bright, filtered light. Direct hot sun will scorch their fronds. Indoors, provide the brightest location possible without direct sun beams.

Temperature: Warm temperatures between 60-80°F. They can tolerate brief dips to 50°F.

Humidity: High humidity. 40% or above is ideal.

Air Circulation: Good air flow prevents fungal disease.

Water: Frequent watering and misting. Let soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Soil: Staghorn ferns don’t need soil, but do best with a moss-covered plaque or bed of bark chips and sphagnum moss to hold moisture.

Mounting Staghorn Ferns

Staghorn ferns grow as epiphytes, meaning they cling to trees and rocks rather than rooting in soil. For this reason, they are best grown mounted on boards or plaques. You can mount a staghorn fern in a few simple steps:

1. Select a suitable plaque for mounting. Good options include slabs of cork bark, coconut fiber panels, sturdy wire baskets, or wooden boards. Make sure it is large enough to hold the fern’s entire root mass.

2. Optionally, cover the plaque with a layer of sphagnum moss to help retain moisture and give the roots something to cling to.

3. Position the staghorn fern on the plaque and spread its roots over the surface. The shield fronds should sit flush against the plaque.

4. Use pliable plant ties, fishing line, or monofilament to securely fasten the fern’s roots to the plaque. Crisscross the ties over the roots.

5. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the plaque.

6. Hang the mounted staghorn fern in a suitable spot where it will get the proper light and humidity. Near a bright window works well indoors.

Watering & Misting Your Staghorn Fern

Careful watering is crucial for staghorn fern health. Create a consistent watering routine based on your specific growing conditions. Here are some general guidelines:

• Water the roots by soaking the entire plaque in room temperature water for 5-10 minutes until saturated. Allow excess water to drain fully before rehanging.

• Mist the fronds several times per week, focusing on the undersides. Use room temperature, soft water to prevent leaf burn.

• Increase watering in hot, dry conditions. Check that the root mass stays moist.

• Decrease watering in cool weather to prevent rot. The roots can dry out a bit between waterings.

• Shield fronds turning brown or black are signs of overwatering. Allow the fern to dry out more between waterings.

Providing Proper Humidity

Staghorn ferns thrive in humidity above 40%. Without enough moisture in the air, their fronds are prone to brown, shriveled tips. Here are some easy ways to boost humidity around your staghorn fern:

• Display in bathrooms and kitchens where natural humidity is higher
• Use a humidifier or pebble tray nearby
• Group with other tropical plants to create a moist microclimate
• Mist frequently, even a few times per day

Fertilizing Your Staghorn Fern

Like all plants, staghorn ferns need nutrients to fuel growth and stay healthy. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength and apply in the following ways:

• Mix into the water when soaking the plaque every 2-4 weeks during active growth
• Spray diluted liquid fertilizer directly onto the fronds monthly
• Top dress the roots with time-release pellet fertilizer every 3-4 months

In winter, fertilize less often, only every 6-8 weeks. Watch for signs of fertilizer burn like brown leaf tips and flush with clean water if necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Staghorn Fern Problems

Even when given proper care, staghorn ferns can sometimes develop issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Brown frond tips – This is usually caused by dry air. Increase watering frequency and humidity.

Brown base fronds – Overwatering is likely allowing the roots to rot. Allow the fern to dry out more between waterings.

Black spotted fronds – A fungal infection called Black Spot. Improve air circulation and avoid getting the foliage wet when watering.

White crusty deposits – Hard water or fertilizer salts. Flush plaque thoroughly with distilled water.

Falling or dying fronds – Check for root rot and overwatering. Or could indicate too little light or nutrients.

Failure to thrive – Can be caused by many factors. Assess growing conditions and adjust as needed – typically insufficient light, water or humidity.

Propagating Your Staghorn Fern

With proper care, staghorn ferns will naturally form pups, allowing you to propagate new baby ferns. To propagate:

1. Use a sterile, sharp knife to detach pups from the parent plant. Try to retain some roots.

2. Mount the pup on its own small plaque following the same method described above.

3. Keep the pup warm and humid while it establishes. Lightly mist every few days until new growth appears.

4. Once the pup matures, care for it the same as an adult staghorn fern.

In just a season or two your propagated pup will develop into an impressive specimen fern to enjoy or share!

Displaying Your Mounted Staghorn Fern

One of the best parts of growing staghorn ferns is showing off their incredible forms. Consider displaying your mounted staghorn fern in the following ways:

• Hang on a wall near a bright window where it will be illuminated beautifully.

• Attach to the trunk or low-hanging limb of a tree outdoors.

• Mount on a post or piece of driftwood in a conservatory or greenhouse.

• Use strong magnets to affix smaller specimens to a steel shelf unit or refrigerator.

• Place in a macrame or wire hanging planter to suspend from the ceiling.

• Lean against the wall atop a plant stand or bookshelf.

With a little creativity, you can find the perfect way to put your staghorn fern’s intricate beauty on display in your home or garden. Just be sure it will get adequate humidity and light in that location.

Caring for Your Staghorn Fern Outdoors

In frost-free climates, staghorn ferns can be grown outdoors year-round. If temperatures in your area drop below 50°F, they will need to come inside for winter. When keeping a staghorn fern outside:

• Provide bright, indirect light. Dappled sun or light shade beneath a tree is ideal.

• Water more frequently, even daily in hot, dry conditions. The plaques will dry out faster.

• Monitor for pests like scale, mealybugs and mites which thrive outdoors. Treat promptly if discovered.

• Just as when growing indoors, be vigilant about providing sufficient moisture and protecting from harsh direct sun.

With the right care, your staghorn fern will flourish outdoors, growing faster and larger than it ever could as just a houseplant.

In Summary:

• Mount staghorn ferns on plaques rather than rooting in soil. Provide bright, indirect light.

• Water thoroughly and often. Misting is also important to increase humidity around the fronds.

• Staghorn ferns thrive in humid conditions. Increase humidity or mist frequently.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer regularly to nourish your plant.

• Monitor growing conditions and troubleshoot issues promptly to keep your staghorn fern healthy.

• Propagate by detaching and mounting pups. Display mounted ferns in your home or garden.

Staghorn ferns are sculptural, low-maintenance houseplants if you stick to their basic needs. Their exotic forms and prehistoric appearance make them one of the most unique, statement-making plants you can grow. Follow this complete care guide and you’ll be rewarded with a thriving, magnificent staghorn fern that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

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