Staghorn Fern Care: How to Keep These Amazing Plants Thriving

Staghorn ferns are one of the most unique and fascinating plants in the world. Their appearance is unlike any other plant, with long, antler-like fronds that sprawl out in all directions.

But beyond their striking appearance, staghorn ferns are also incredibly resilient and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.

In this article, we will dive deep into the world of staghorn fern care, covering everything from when to plant to troubleshooting common problems.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a newbie looking to add some greenery to your space, this article will provide you with all the information you need to care for your staghorn fern and ensure it thrives in your home.

All About Staghorn Ferns

Staghorn ferns are a type of epiphytic fern, meaning they grow on other plants or trees rather than in soil. They are native to tropical regions, primarily found in Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Unlike most ferns, staghorn ferns do not produce traditional fronds that grow from a central crown. Instead, they have two types of fronds: basal fronds and sterile fronds.

Basal fronds are the flat, shield-shaped fronds that grow at the base of the plant. They serve to anchor the plant to its host and absorb moisture and nutrients.

Sterile fronds, on the other hand, are the antler-like fronds that give staghorn ferns their distinctive appearance. These fronds do not produce spores like traditional fern fronds but instead serve to protect the plant and collect moisture from the air.

When To Plant Staghorn Ferns

Staghorn ferns can be planted at any time of the year, although they tend to do best when planted in the spring or summer when temperatures are warmer and there is more sunlight.

If you are growing your staghorn fern indoors, you can plant it in a container or attach it to a piece of wood or cork bark. If you are growing it outdoors, you can attach it to a tree or a piece of driftwood.

Staghorn Fern Care

Light & Temperature

Staghorn ferns are plants that thrive in bright, indirect light. They grow best when they receive several hours of bright, but not direct sunlight each day. Too much shade can slow down their growth, while too much direct sunlight can damage their fronds. It's important to find a balance to ensure healthy growth.

In terms of temperature, staghorn ferns prefer warmth and thrive between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate cooler temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's best to bring them indoors if temperatures drop below that. Maintaining the right temperature is important for the growth and survival of the plant.

Water & Humidity

Staghorn ferns are somewhat drought-tolerant and can go several weeks without water. However, they do require regular watering to thrive.

Water your staghorn fern when the soil or mounting material feels dry to the touch. When watering, saturate the soil or mounting material and allow any excess water to drain away.

Staghorn ferns also require high humidity to thrive. If you live in a dry climate or are growing your fern indoors, you may need to increase the humidity around your plant. You can do this by misting your fern regularly or by placing a humidifier nearby.

Soil

Staghorn ferns are unique plants that do not require soil to grow, as they are epiphytic in nature. This means that they can grow on other surfaces such as tree trunks or rocks in their natural environment. If you are growing staghorn ferns in a container, you can use a well-draining potting mix that allows water to flow freely through the soil. A mixture of peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite can also work well.

If you prefer to attach your fern to a piece of wood or cork bark, you can use sphagnum moss or a specialized mounting mix that is designed for epiphytic plants. These materials can help to provide the fern with the moisture and nutrients it needs to grow and thrive. It's important to choose the right growing medium for your staghorn fern to ensure that it receives the right amount of water and nutrients to support healthy growth.

Fertilizer

Staghorn ferns are not heavy feeders, and they do not require frequent fertilization. However, they can benefit from a light application of fertilizer every few months during the growing season.

When fertilizing your staghorn fern, it's best to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and dilute it to half strength. This will provide the plant with the nutrients it needs without causing any damage. You can apply the fertilizer directly to the soil or mounting material, being careful to avoid getting any on the fern's fronds.

It's important to note that over-fertilization can harm your staghorn fern, so it's best to err on the side of caution and apply fertilizer sparingly. With the right care and attention, your staghorn fern can thrive and grow into a beautiful, healthy plant.

Repotting

Staghorn ferns have unique growing requirements, as they do not grow in soil. If you are growing your fern in a container, it may not require repotting in the traditional sense. However, you may need to refresh the potting mix every few years to ensure that the plant has enough nutrients to support healthy growth.

To refresh the potting mix, gently remove the staghorn fern from its container and shake off any loose soil. Be careful not to damage its fronds in the process. Repot the fern in fresh potting mix, making sure that it is well-draining and allows water to flow through freely.

It's important to note that staghorn ferns can also be attached to a piece of wood or cork bark, in which case they do not require repotting at all. However, if you choose to grow your fern in a container, refreshing the potting mix can help to support its growth and overall health.

Propagation

Staghorn ferns can be propagated in two ways - by spores or by division. Propagation by spores is a slow process that can take several months or even years to produce a mature plant. However, propagating by division can be a quicker and more efficient method.

To propagate a staghorn fern by division, carefully remove the plant from its container or mounting material. Look for offshoots or pups that have developed on the main plant. These will appear as smaller versions of the main plant growing from the base or sides of the fern.

Gently separate each pup from the main plant, being careful not to damage the roots or fronds. Once separated, plant each pup in its own container with well-draining potting mix or attach it to a piece of wood or cork bark. Provide each new plant with the appropriate growing conditions, including proper lighting, temperature, and watering.

Propagation by division can be a great way to expand your staghorn fern collection or share plants with friends and family. With proper care, your new plants will grow and thrive just like the parent plant.

Pruning

Staghorn ferns do not require regular pruning, but you may need to remove any dead or damaged fronds to keep the plant looking its best. To do this, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruners and make a clean cut at the base of the frond.

Troubleshooting Staghorn Fern Problems

Growing Problems

If your staghorn fern's fronds are turning brown or black, it may be a sign of overwatering or inadequate drainage. Adjust your watering schedule or consider repotting the plant in fresh potting mix.

If your staghorn fern's fronds are yellowing or wilting, it may be a sign of underwatering. Increase your watering schedule or consider misting the plant more frequently.

Pests

Staghorn ferns are generally pest-resistant, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. If you notice small, cottony masses on your plant's fronds, it may be a sign of mealybugs.

Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the insects. If you notice small, brown bumps on your plant's fronds, it may be a sign of scale insects. Use a soft brush to remove the insects or consider using an insecticidal soap.

Diseases

Staghorn ferns are relatively disease-resistant, but they can be susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered or planted in inadequate drainage.

To prevent root rot, make sure your plant's potting mix or mounting material is well-draining and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.