“My staghorn fern is turning yellow. What should I do?” Staghorn ferns (Platycerium species) are some of the most unusual-looking plants home gardeners can grow. They can also be expensive, and some species are hard to find, so it’s important to catch any problems early. Read on to learn how to keep yours healthy.

Causes of Staghorn Fern Turning Yellow

Don’t worry about occasional yellow fronds on a staghorn if the plant still has many green fronds and appears healthy. The yellowed fronds should be quickly replaced by growing green fronds. It is also normal for the basal fronds (those that wrap around the base of the plant) to be partially or entirely brown. Yellow fronds on a staghorn could be due to watering or humidity problems. Overwatering can cause yellowing, rotting, or mold on the plant. Low humidity or lack of watering might also gradually cause fronds to go yellow. Pest problems are another possibility. Check your ferns for pests such as mites and scale insects. Provide your staghorn ferns with filtered light or bright shade. Full sun can burn the leaves and cause discoloration. Indoors, make sure the room is not too dim, or fronds may turn yellowish due to lack of light. Appropriate sun conditions are easy to provide if you mount the fern under a tree canopy or on a partially shaded patio. Yellowing staghorn ferns might be nutrient deficient. Fertilize staghorn fern plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer each month during the growing season. Also, feed the fern with organic matter – even a banana peel placed among the fronds works.

How to Treat a Yellow Staghorn Fern

Very yellow fronds on a staghorn should be pruned out. Simply cut the yellow antler frond near its base, avoiding damage to other fronds. However, if many fronds on your fern have gone yellow, you’ll need to change something in the fern’s growing environment. To prevent more damage to yellowing staghorn ferns, take measures to improve their overall health. Correct any watering or drainage problems. Many species require a humid environment but can be damaged by overwatering. Mist the leaves frequently when the air is dry. Water when the mounting medium is dry but be sure the medium is able to drain quickly to prevent rot problems. As epiphytes (plants that grow high in trees or on rocks, often out of contact with soil), staghorn ferns will do best if they’re mounted to a board, tree, or other surface, or placed in a hanging basket. If you grow yours in a pot, be sure the growing medium is very well drained and airy. Sphagnum moss and bark chips sold for growing orchids are good choices. You can also include compost or a small amount of potting soil in a hanging basket mix but be sure the mixture drains quickly.

Once rare, exotic plants found only in tropical forests, staghorn ferns are now widely available as unique, dramatic plants for the home and garden. Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, which naturally grow on trees or rocks with specialized roots that attach to their host and absorb water from humidity in the tropical regions in which they grow. As home and garden plants, they are often mounted on wood or rock, or hung in wire baskets to simulate their natural growing conditions. Natively, they grow in areas with high humidity and frequent periods of rain. In the home or landscape, these conditions may be hard to mock, and regularly watering a staghorn fern may be necessary. Continue reading to learn how to water staghorn ferns.

Staghorn Fern Water Requirements

Staghorn ferns have large flat basal fronds that grow in a shield-like fashion over the plant’s roots. When a staghorn fern grows wildly in the crotch of a tropical tree or on a rock ledge, these basal fronds help collect water and fallen plant debris from tropical rains. In time, the plant debris breaks down, helping contain moisture around the plant’s roots and releasing nutrients as it decomposes. In addition to this, a staghorn fern’s basal fronds absorb more water and nutrients from the humid air. Staghorn ferns also produce upright, unique fronds which resemble stag horns. The primary function of these upright fronds is reproduction, not water absorption. In the home or garden, staghorn fern water requirements may be higher, especially in times of drought and low humidity. These garden plants are usually mounted to something with sphagnum moss and/or other organic materials under the basal fronds and around the roots. This material helps retain moisture. When watering a mounted staghorn fern, water can be provided directly to the sphagnum moss slowly with a long narrow-tipped watering can. A slow trickle will allow the moss or other organic material to become fully saturated.

How and When to Water a Staghorn Fern

In young staghorn ferns, the basal fronds will be green in color, but as the plant matures, they may become brown and appear wilted. This is natural and not a concern, and these brown fronds should not be removed from the plant. The basal fronds are essential for meeting the water requirements for staghorn ferns. Growers often thoroughly mist the basal fronds of staghorn ferns once a week. Spray bottles may be adequate for small indoor staghorn ferns, but large outdoor plants may need to be watered with a gentle, misting hose head. Staghorn ferns should be watered when the upright plants look slightly wilted. While brown, dry tissue is normal on staghorn fern’s basal fronds, black or gray spots are not normal and may indicate overwatering. If saturated too often, a staghorn fern’s upright fronds may also show signs of fungal rot, and spore production may be disrupted. Browning along the tips of these upright fronds is normal though, as it is actually the fern’s spores.

Banana peels are rich in potassium and provide smaller amounts of manganese and phosphorus, all essential nutrients for gardens and houseplants. We would usually think of composting as the appropriate way to deliver these minerals to our plants. What about “feeding” banana peels directly to plants? In the case of at least one plant, the staghorn fern, adding whole banana peels is just as effective as composting them first. You can “feed” a whole peel or even a whole banana to the plant by placing it on top of the plant, among its fronds.

About Banana Peel and Staghorn Ferns

Feeding staghorn ferns with bananas is possible because of this plant’s unique lifestyle. Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, plants that grow on elevated surfaces away from contact with the soil. They produce two types of fronds: antler fronds, which stick out from the center of the fern, and basal fronds, which grow in overlapping layers and cling to the surface the plant is growing on. The upper portion of the basal fronds grows upward and often forms a cup shape that can collect water. In nature, staghorn ferns typically grow attached to tree limbs, trunks, and rocks. In this habitat, organic materials like leaf litter collect in the cup formed by the upturned basal fronds. Water washing down from the forest canopy both hydrates the fern and brings it nutrients. Organic materials falling into the cup break down and slowly release minerals for the plant to absorb.

How to Use Bananas to Feed a Staghorn Fern

Using banana fertilizer for staghorn ferns is an easy way to maintain your plant’s health while reducing kitchen waste. Depending on the size of your fern, feed it with up to four banana peels a month to provide potassium plus smaller amounts of phosphorus and micronutrients. A banana peel is almost like a time-release fertilizer for these nutrients. Place the banana peels in the upright portion of the basal fronds or between the fern and its mount. If you’re worried that the peel will attract fruit flies to an indoor fern, soak the peel in water for a few days, discard or compost the peel, then water the plant. Since banana peels don’t contain much nitrogen, banana-fed staghorns should also be provided with a source of nitrogen. Feed your ferns monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. If your bananas are not organic, it’s best to wash the peels before you give them to your staghorn fern. Conventional bananas are typically treated with fungicides to control a damaging fungal disease. Since the peels are not considered edible, fungicides that are not permitted on edible parts may be allowed on peels.

Staghorn ferns are beautiful specimen plants that can be great conversation pieces. They are not at all frost hardy, however, so special care needs to be taken by most gardeners to ensure that they survive the winter and get a chance to reach that imposing size they can be known to attain. For the most part, they don’t even like cool temperatures and often have to be overwintered indoors. Keep reading to learn more about staghorn fern winter protection and how to treat a staghorn fern over winter.

How to Treat a Staghorn Fern Over Winter

As a rule, staghorn ferns are not at all tolerant of cold temperatures. There are a couple of exceptions, such as the bifurcatum variety that can survive temperatures as low as 30 F. (1 C.). Most staghorn ferns thrive in warm to hot temperatures and will start to fail at about 55 F. (13 C.). They will die at or above freezing temperatures if they don’t have adequate protection. Gardeners in zone 10, for instance, may be able to keep their plants outdoors all winter long if they are in a protected area such as under the roof of a porch or the canopy of a tree. If temperatures are likely to fall near freezing, however, overwintering staghorn ferns means bringing them indoors.

Growing Staghorn Ferns in Winter

Staghorn fern winter care is relatively simple. The plants go dormant in the winter, which means growing slows, a frond or two might drop off and, in the case of some varieties, the basal fronds turn brown. This is normal and the sign of a perfectly healthy plant. Keep the plant in a spot that receives bright but indirect light, and water less frequently than you did during the growing season, only once every few weeks.

The staghorn fern is a unique and beautiful epiphyte that grows well indoors, and in warm and humid climates outdoors. It’s an easy plant to grow, so if you get one that thrives and gets large, knowing how to divide a staghorn fern successfully comes in handy.

Can You Split a Staghorn Fern?

This is a unique type of plant, being both an air plant and a fern. Native to rainforests, this tropical fern doesn’t exactly look like other ferns you may be more familiar with. Splitting staghorns may seem complicated or difficult, but it really isn’t. You can and should divide this fern if it is getting too large for its growing space or if you want to propagate it.

When to Divide a Staghorn Fern

Your staghorn ferns have two types of fronds: sterile, or immature, and fertile. The fertile fronds are the ones that branch like antlers. The immature fronds do not branch and form a shield or dome at the base of the plant. The roots are behind this shield, which start out green and turns brown as the plant grows. The fertile, branching fronds emerge from the shield of immature fronds. You will also see offsets, entirely separate plants with both the shield of immature fronds and the fertile fronds, growing from the main plant. These are what you will remove to divide the fern. Dividing staghorn ferns is best done just before the plant’s active growing season, so in the early spring, although it is possible to do it at any time of year.

How to Divide a Staghorn Fern

When you’re ready to divide your staghorn fern, look for an offshoot and the stem or root that connects it to the main plant. In most cases, you should be able to twist or gently pull the offshoot free, but you may need to get a knife in there to sever the attaching root. This doesn’t hurt the plant at all but be sure that you are ready to mount the offshoot right away. If you let it sit for too long, it will die. Splitting staghorns is much easier to do than it may seem at first. If you have a big plant, it can look as if it is a complicated mass of roots and fronds, but if you can separate an offshoot, it should come off easily. You can then remount it and enjoy a new, separate staghorn fern.

Staghorn ferns are dramatic plants both in the exotic places from which they hail and in the home environment. Although they can be a little tricky to get just so, once a staghorn is established, you can expect few problems with them. Once in a while, however, your staghorn may get sick and that’s why we put this article together. Read on to learn more about diseases of staghorn ferns.

Staghorn Fern Plant Problems

Staghorn ferns can be interesting and exotic additions to your home or landscape. Their large, antler-like leaves are showy and dramatic, making them a favorite of fern enthusiasts. Like any plant, diseases of staghorn fern can develop, but they’re extremely few and far between. In fact, sick staghorn ferns are much more likely to be troubled by incorrect growing conditions than they are actual disease, so if your plant is looking unwell, take heart. 

It’s probably something completely fixable. Most of staghorn fern problems are the direct result of care slip-ups, but there are a few problems that are common among these epiphytic wonders. When you’ve reviewed your care plan and are certain they’re getting enough light and nutrients, it’s definitely time to look for other staghorn fern disease symptoms. Don’t stress, we’ve made a list of likely pest and disease problems and how to treat a diseased staghorn below: 

Rhizoctonia. When black spots appear on the basal fronds and begin to spread toward the growing point, it’s time to act fast. This is the calling card of Rhizoctonia, a fungal pest of staghorn fern. If left untreated, the black spores will continue their march and kill the entire plant. First, withhold water entirely and reduce the humidity around your plant. If that doesn’t make enough of a dent, try a general use fungicide. In the future, monitor the humidity and the plant’s watering, since excessive moisture is necessary for Rhizoctonia to survive.

Mealybugs and scale. Mealybugs and scale can appear to be diseases even though they’re actually pest infestations. These sap-sucking insects are master mimics, making themselves appear as white, fluffy tufts or waxy shields attached directly to the plant. Mealybugs are a little bit easier to recognize as insects, but they produce copious amounts of white fuzzy wax that can hide their numbers. Avoid using oils on staghorn ferns, instead insecticidal soap can be used to destroy colonies. It may require more than one application, so monitor your plant closely during treatment.

Owning a staghorn fern is an exercise in balance. Balancing water and light, nutrients, and keeping their roots exposed is like a highly technical dance that can keep you guessing. When your staghorn fern starts dropping leaves, you know something has gone wrong in the equation, but what? Read on for some possible solutions.

About Staghorn Fern Leaf Drop

Staghorn ferns have evolved to thrive in their natural habitat as epiphytes that live in the nooks and crannies in tropical forests. Instead of rooting in soil, they secure themselves to tree bark where they can take advantage of small dribblings of water and the decay of leaves and other organic matter. Living among the branches is quite the life for them, which makes their transplantation into a home environment a challenging one. If your staghorn fern is losing leaves, there’s a good chance that something is wrong in the environment, not that a disease is responsible.

How to Save a Staghorn Fern

Shedding staghorn ferns are a good reason to panic, but before you do anything drastic, consult the list below to learn why your staghorn fern losing fronds could be a very minor issue. It’s shedding old leaves as a normal part of aging. If just one or two leaves drop now and again, this is not reason to panic. Staghorn ferns do occasionally replace their old leaves with new growth, but the other leaves should still look very healthy and the roots nice and plump. Incorrect watering. While it’s true that staghorn ferns live in humid environments, they don’t experience constant wetness all day and all night. When you water your fern, you should drench it, then withhold water until it’s completely dry again. Frequency will depend on your conditions and whether the plant is indoors or out. Stick a finger deep into the medium to ensure it’s ready before watering again. Too little humidity. Staghorns are fickle beasts. They can’t tolerate too much water directly on their roots, but they also can’t handle it if the environment is too dry. They thrive in greenhouse environments for this reason. If you can’t keep your plant where humidity levels are high, like a bathroom or basement, consider a trick that orchid enthusiasts love and place it just above a bowl of water or an aquarium to increase the local humidity around the plant. It’s important that the staghorn fern not be immersed, but that the water be allowed to evaporate very close to the plant. Sap-sucking insects. Generally, you can tell if sapsuckers are at the root of your leaf shedding problem. Leaves may develop yellow or brown spots where scale or mealybugs are actively feeding, not drying enough to drop until the infection is fairly severe. However, since many scale can look like part of a plant and other sap-suckers feed on the undersides of leaves, it’s possible to miss them on first inspection. Identify the pest in question before applying a non-oil-based insecticide.

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium sp.) are unique, dramatic plants that are sold in many nurseries as houseplants. They are commonly known as staghorn, moose horn, elk horn, or antelope ear ferns because of their large reproductive fronds that look like antlers. Native to tropical forests of southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, Madagascar, Africa, and South America, there are approximately 18 species of staghorn fern. Generally, only a few varieties are available in nurseries or greenhouses because of their very specific temperature and care requirements. Continue reading to learn about the cold hardiness of a staghorn fern, as well as care tips.

Staghorn Ferns and Cold

In the wild, staghorn ferns are epiphytes, which grow on tree trunks, branches, or rocks in very warm, humid tropical forests. In warm enough climates, like southern Florida, staghorn fern spores, which are carried upon wind, have been known to naturalize, creating huge plants in the crotches of native trees like live oak.

Although large trees or rocky outcrops host staghorn fern plants, the staghorn ferns do not cause any damage or harm to their hosts. Instead, they acquire all the water and nutrients that they need from the air and fallen plant debris through their basal fronds, which cover and protect their roots.

As home or garden plants, staghorn fern plants need growing conditions which mimic their native growth habits. First and foremost, they require a warm, humid location to grow, preferably hanging. Staghorn ferns and cold weather do not work, though a few varieties can tolerate very short periods of temperatures down to 30 degrees F. (-1 C.).

Staghorn ferns also need a partly shaded or shaded location. Shady areas of the garden can sometimes be cooler than the rest of the garden, so keep this in mind when placing a staghorn fern. Staghorn ferns that are mounted on boards or grown in wire baskets will also need supplemental nutrients from regular fertilizing since they usually aren’t able to attain the required nutrients from debris of a host tree.

Cold Hardiness of a Staghorn Fern

Certain varieties of staghorn ferns are more commonly grown and sold in nurseries or greenhouses because of their cold hardiness and minimal care requirements. In general, staghorn ferns are hardy in zone 8 or above and considered to be cold tender or semi-tender plants and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees F. (10 C.) for long periods.

Some varieties of staghorn ferns can tolerate temperatures colder than this, while other varieties can’t handle temps that low. You will need a variety that can survive outdoor temperatures in your area or be prepared to cover or move plants indoors during cold periods.

Below are several commonly grown varieties of staghorn ferns and cold tolerance of each. Please keep in mind that while they can tolerate short periods of these low temperatures, they will not survive long periods exposed to cold. The best locations for staghorn ferns have daytime temperatures around 80 degrees F. (27 C.) or more and night temperatures of 60 degrees F. (16 C.) or more.

• Platycerium bifurcatum – 30 F. (-1 C.)
• Platycerium veitchi – 30 F. (-1 C.)
• Platycerium alcicorne – 40 F. (4 C.)
• Platycerium hillii – 40 F. (4 C.)
• Platycerium stemaria – 50 F. (10 C.)
• Platycerium andinum – 60 F. (16 C.)
• Platycerium angolense – 60 F. (16 C.)

Staghorn fern (Platycerium spp.) is a uniquely eye-catching plant, appropriately named for the impressive fronds that bear a striking resemblance to elk antlers. Not surprisingly, the plant is also known as elkhorn fern. Do staghorn ferns need to be cleaned? Since the fronds are so large, it isn’t unusual to find a thin layer of dust on a staghorn fern. Washing staghorn fern plants carefully will remove dust that can block sunlight and of course, also brightens the appearance of the plant. If you’re convinced that cleaning a staghorn fern is a good idea, read on for helpful tips on how to get it done.

Cleaning a Staghorn Fern

So, your staghorn fern plant is in need of cleaning. The first question that likely comes to mind is “How should I clean my staghorn fern?” Washing staghorn fern plants should be done carefully and should never involve wiping the fronds with a sponge or cloth. Take a close look at the plant and you’ll notice that the fronds are covered with a felt-like substance that helps the plant retain moisture. This substance is often mistaken for dirt or dust and wiping the fronds can easily remove this covering. Instead, just mist the plant lightly with lukewarm water, then shake the plant gently to remove excess moisture. Repeat weekly to keep the plant dust-free. Your staghorn fern will also love being cleaned by a gentle rain, but only if outdoor temperatures are mild. Now that you know a little bit about washing staghorn fern plants, it will be easier to tackle the issue should the need arise.

At garden centers you may have seen staghorn fern plants mounted on plaques, growing in wire baskets, or even planted in small pots. They are very unique, eye-catching plants and when you see one it’s easy to tell why they are called staghorn ferns. Those who have seen this dramatic plant often wonder, “Can you grow staghorn ferns outside?” Continue reading to learn about growing staghorn ferns outdoors.

Staghorn Fern Outdoor Care

The staghorn fern (Platycerium spp.) is native to tropical locations of South America, Africa, southeast Asia, and Australia. There are 18 species of staghorn ferns, also known as elkhorn ferns or moosehorn ferns, that grow as epiphytes in tropical regions all over the world. Some of these species have naturalized in Florida. Epiphytic plants grow on tree trunks, branches, and sometimes even rocks; many orchids are also epiphytes. Staghorn ferns get their moisture and nutrients from the air because their roots do not grow in soil like other plants. Instead, staghorn ferns have small root structures which are shielded by specialized fronds, called basal or shield fronds. These basal fronds look like flat leaves and cover the root ball. Their main function is to protect the roots and collect water and nutrients. When a staghorn fern plant is young, the basal fronds may be green. As the plant ages though, the basal fronds will turn brown, shriveled, and may look dead. These are not dead, and it is important to never remove these basal fronds. A staghorn fern’s foliar fronds grow up and out from the basal fronds. These fronds have the appearance of deer or elk horns, giving the plant its common name. These foliar fronds carry out the plant’s reproductive functions. Spores may appear on the foliar fronds and look like the fuzz on a buck’s antlers.

Growing a Staghorn Fern in the Garden

Staghorn ferns are hardy in zones 9 to 12. That being said, when growing staghorn ferns outdoors it is important to know that they may need to be protected if temperatures dip below 55 degrees F. (13 C.). This is why many people grow staghorn ferns in wire baskets or mounted on a piece of wood, so they can be taken indoors if it becomes too cold for them outdoors. The staghorn fern varieties Platycerium bifurcatum and Platycerium veitchi can reportedly handle temperatures as low as 30 degrees F. (-1 C.). Optimal staghorn fern outdoor conditions are a part shade to shady location with plenty of humidity and temperatures that stay between 60 and 80 degrees F. (16-27 C.). Although young staghorn ferns may be sold in pots with soil, they cannot survive very long like this, as their roots will quickly rot. Most often, staghorn ferns outdoors are grown in a hanging wire basket with sphagnum moss around the root ball. Staghorn ferns get most of the water they need from humidity in the air; however, in dry conditions it may be necessary to mist or water your staghorn fern if it looks like it is beginning to wilt. During summer months, you can fertilize staghorn fern in the garden once a month with a general purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer.

The staghorn fern is an unusual and attractive epiphyte, or air plant, that thrives in the tropics. This means they don’t need soil to grow, so to showcase them beautifully, mounting staghorn ferns to any of a variety of materials or surfaces is a great choice.

Care for Staghorn Ferns

Before mounting staghorn ferns in your home or yard, make sure you understand the needs of this unique air plant. These are tropical plants, so if grown outdoors, you need to be in a warm, subtropical to tropical climate. They grow large, so only mount in an area that has at least 3 feet (1 m.) for your fern to expand.

Your fern will need to be watered regularly but should not be allowed to get soggy where it is mounted to a surface. It will grow best in partial shade, and a place with indirect light is ideal. With a good mount, the right sunlight, and regular watering, staghorn ferns are pretty hands-off.

What Can You Mount a Staghorn Fern To?

There are various materials that you can use as a staghorn fern mount: a tree outside, a piece of wood, a wire basket, or fern fiber on the side of a tree. Even the side of a rock or the side of your house or garage will do for mounting your fern.

Regardless of the surface or material you choose, you will need to secure it. This means some staghorn fern mounting materials are easier than others. For instance, it is easier to secure a fern to a wire basket than the side of a large rock, but both are doable.

How to Mount a Staghorn Fern

Along with your mounting surface you will need a growing medium, like sphagnum moss or anything else that drains well, and something to secure the fern to the mount. This could be metal wire (but not copper) or plastic ties. Position the base of the fern on the growing material and use the ties or wire to secure it to the surface mount.

An easy example of how to mount a staghorn fern is to use a wire basket and the side of a tree. Secure the basket to the tree, with nails, for instance. Fill the bowl of the basket with the growing material. Position the fern inside this and secure it to the wire basket with ties. The fern will grow quickly and cover up the wire of the basket, also emerging from its sides.

A staghorn fern mount is really only limited by your creativity and ability to secure the fern in place. As long as you can secure it well and it gets the right conditions of water, heat, and light, your fern will grow large.

Staghorn ferns are large epiphytic evergreens in zones 9 to 12. In their natural environment, they grow on large trees and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. When staghorn ferns reach maturity, they can weigh up to 300 pounds (136 kg.). During storms, these heavy plants can fall out of their tree hosts. Some nurseries in Florida actually specialize in saving these fallen ferns or collect them to propagate smaller plants from them. Whether attempting to save a fallen staghorn fern or supporting a store bought one, hanging a staghorn fern with chains may be the best option.

Staghorn Fern Chain Support

Small staghorn fern plants are oftentimes hung from tree limbs or porches in wire baskets. Sphagnum moss is placed in the basket and no soil or potting medium is used. In time, a happy staghorn fern plant will produce pups that may cover the whole basket structure. As these staghorn fern clusters grow, they will become heavier and heavier. Staghorn ferns that are mounted on wood will also grow heavier and multiply with age, causing them to be remounted on larger and heavier pieces of wood. With mature plants weighing between 100 and 300 pounds (45-136 kg.), supporting a staghorn fern with a chain soon becomes the sturdiest option.

How to Hang a Staghorn Fern with Chains

Staghorn fern plants grow best in part shade to shady locations. Since they get most of their water and nutrients from the air or fallen plant matter, they are often hung on limbs or in the crotches of trees much like they grow in their native environments. Chained staghorn fern plants should only be hung from large tree limbs that can support the weight of the plant and the chain. It is also important to protect the tree limb from chain damage by placing the chain in a section of rubber hose or foam rubber pipe insulation so that the chain is not touching the tree bark. In time, rope can become weathered and weak, so steel chain is preferred for large hanging plants – ¼ inch (6 mm.) thick galvanized steel chain is usually used for chained staghorn fern plants. There are a few different ways of hanging a staghorn fern with chains. Chains can be attached to wire or metal hanging baskets with ‘S’ hooks. Chains can be attached to the wood on wood mounted staghorn ferns. Some experts suggest making a basket out of the chain itself by attaching smaller pieces of chain together to form a spherical shape. Other experts suggest making a T-shaped staghorn fern mount from ½ inch (1 cm.) wide galvanized steel male-threaded pipes that connect with female threaded T-shaped pipe connectors. The pipe mount is then slid through the root ball like an upside down ‘T,’ and a female threaded eye bolt is attached to the top end of the pipe to hang the mount from a chain. How you hang your plant is entirely up to you. As long as the chain is strong enough to support the staghorn fern as it grows, it should be fine.

Staghorn ferns are remarkable plants. They can be kept small, but if allowed to, they will get genuinely huge and imposing. No matter their size, their interesting shape, which is made up of two distinctly different types of fronds, makes for a stunning conversation piece. For all their good points, though, staghorn ferns can be a little tricky to grow. Getting enough light for a staghorn fern to grow properly is very important. Keep reading to learn more about staghorn fern light requirements.

How Much Light Does a Staghorn Fern Need?

In the wild, staghorn ferns grow in the nooks and crannies of trees in tropical forests. This means that they are adapted to the bright but dappled sunlight that filters down through the branches of the trees. You can recreate this setup easily by hanging your own staghorn fern outdoors on the trunk of a large tree. While dappled sunlight is good, staghorn ferns also do extremely well in bright, indirect light. This can be achieved best by placing the fern in a covered porch that has plenty of windows. The key is to expose the fern to lots of light, but to keep it out of the direct rays of the sun. A staghorn fern in full sun will get scorched. On the other hand, growing staghorn ferns in shade that is too dense will slow their growth considerably and encourage the growth of fungus and disease.

Staghorn Fern Light Requirements Indoors

Staghorn ferns are not frost hardy, so many gardeners grow them inside, at least in the winter. Indoors, the same rules hold true. Staghorn ferns need lots of bright but indirect or diffused sunlight. This is best achieved by placing them next to the brightest window in the house. All directions are fine, but west-facing windows might expose the fern to too much direct afternoon sun. Staghorn ferns can’t really survive with just ambient artificial light – they need to be near a window to stay healthy.

Staghorn ferns are unusual, exotic-looking plants that will definitely attract guests’ attention, whether they’re displayed in the home or outdoors in a warm-climate garden. The plants known as staghorn ferns include the 18 species in the Platycerium genus plus many hybrids and varieties of those species.

Choosing Various Kinds of Staghorn Ferns

Like most bromeliads and many orchids, staghorn ferns are epiphytes. This means that they often grow in trees above the ground and do not need to be in contact with the soil. Instead, they absorb nutrients and moisture from the air and from water or leaves that wash or fall onto their fronds. Many are tropical species, with some types of staghorn fern originating in southeast Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands, and others native to South America or Africa. Due to this, most staghorn fern varieties do need specialized environments and care. Consider your experience level, the humidity level in your home, and the space you have available when selecting a species of staghorn fern. Differences among varieties mean that some are easier than others to grow at home. If you plan to grow outdoors, be sure you have a shaded spot to mount the fern, such as on a tree or on a covered porch. Most species should not be exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees F. (13 C.), but there are several exceptions. Care recommendations vary for different varieties of staghorn fern, so be sure to research what yours needs.

Species and Varieties of Staghorn Fern

Platycerium bifurcatum is probably the most popular staghorn fern for growing at home. It is also the most straightforward to care for and is a good choice for staghorn fern beginners. This species grows quite large, so make sure you have a strong enough mount and enough space to accommodate its eventual size. Unlike most staghorn ferns, this species can survive a brief drop in temperature to 30 degrees F. (-1 C.). Several varieties are available. Platycerium superbum is more difficult to care for and can be hard to find, but it has a striking appearance and is sought after by fern collectors. It produces large, light-green fronds that extend both upward and downward from the mount. These ferns need a high-humidity environment, but they are easily damaged by overwatering. Platycerium veitchii is a silver-colored species from Australian semi-desert regions. It is relatively easy to grow and can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees F. (-1 C.). This species prefers high light levels. Platycerium hillii is another great fern for beginners. It has dark green foliage and is native to Australia and New Guinea. Platycerium angolense is a good choice for warm spots, since it prefers temperatures 80 to 90 degrees F. (27-32 C.) and does not tolerate temperatures below 60 degrees F. (15 C.). However, it is one of the more difficult kinds of staghorn fern to grow. It needs to be watered frequently and requires high humidity.

Staghorn ferns are fascinating specimens. While they reproduce through spores, a much more common method of propagation is through pups, small plantlets that grow off of the mother plant. Keep reading to learn more about removing staghorn fern pups and staghorn fern pup propagation.

What are Staghorn Fern Pups?

Staghorn fern pups are little plantlets that grow off of the parent plant. In nature these pups will eventually grow into new, whole plants. The pups will be attached underneath the brown, dry shield fronds of the plant.

Gardeners have two choices: removing the pups and propagating new plants to give away or allowing them to remain in place to form the appearance of a much larger, more imposing single fern. The choice is up to you.

What to Do with Staghorn Fern Pups

If you choose not to remove your staghorn fern pups, they will grow bigger and bigger and might even reach the size of the parent plant. They will also keep increasing in number. The result is a very attractive covering of fronds that can span 360 degrees in hanging baskets and 180 degrees on wall mounts.

It’s a spectacular look, but it can also get big and heavy. If you don’t have the space (or your wall or ceiling doesn’t have the strength), you might want to keep your fern more contained by thinning out some pups.

How Should I Remove Staghorn Fern Pups?

Pups are the main source of staghorn fern propagation. Removing staghorn fern pups is easy and has a very high success rate. Wait until the pup is at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across.

Find the spot under the brown shield fronds where the pup is attached and, with a sharp knife, cut the pup away with some roots attached. You can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern.

In their natural environment, staghorn ferns grow on tree trunks and branches. Fortunately, staghorn ferns also grow in pots – usually a wire or mesh basket, which allows us to enjoy these unique, antler-shaped plants in non-tropical environments. Like all potted plants, staghorn ferns occasionally need repotting. Read on to learn about transplanting staghorn ferns.

Staghorn Fern Repotting

When to repot a staghorn fern is a common question to many but an easy one to answer. Staghorn ferns are happiest when they’re slightly crowded and should only be repotted when they’re nearly busting at the seams – usually once every few years. Staghorn fern repotting is best done in spring.

How to Repot a Staghorn Fern

Here are some tips to follow when you begin transplanting staghorn ferns into another pot. Prepare a container at least 2 inches (5 cm.) wider than the original container. If you’re using a wire basket, line the basket with about an inch (2.5 cm.) of moist, firmly packed sphagnum moss (soak the moss in a bowl or bucket for three or four hours first). Fill the basket (or a regular pot) about half-full of a loose, well-drained, porous potting mixture: preferably something like shredded pine bark, sphagnum moss, or a similar medium. You can use up to one-third regular potting mix, but never use garden soil. Remove the staghorn carefully from its container and move it to the new container as you gently spread the roots. Finish filling the pot with potting mix, so the roots are completely covered but the stem and fronds are exposed. Pat the potting mix gently around the roots. Water the newly transplanted staghorn to soak the potting mix, and then allow it to drain well.

Big and unique, staghorn ferns are a surefire conversation starter. By nature, staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants that grow by attaching themselves to tree trunks or limbs. They aren’t parasitic because they draw no nutrition from the tree. Instead, they feed on decomposing plant matter, including leaves. So, can staghorn ferns be potted? Read on to learn more about potting a staghorn fern.

Can Staghorn Ferns Be Potted?

This is a good question since staghorns generally don’t naturally grow in soil. The key to growing staghorn ferns in baskets or pots is to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible. Yes, though, they can grow in pots.

How to Grow Staghorn Ferns in Pots

If you’re interested in potting a staghorn fern, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Wire or mesh baskets are well-suited for growing staghorn ferns, but you actually can grow one in a standard pot. Fill the pot with a loose, well-drained potting mixture: preferably something like shredded pine bark, sphagnum moss, or similar. Be sure to repot when the plant gets crowded. Also, remember that it’s easier to overwater in a regular pot because drainage is limited. Water carefully to prevent the plant from becoming waterlogged.

Growing Staghorn Fern in a Wire Basket

To grow staghorn ferns in baskets, begin by lining the basket with at least an inch (2.5 cm.) of moistened sphagnum moss, then fill the basket with a very well drained potting mix, such as one containing a mixture of equal parts bark chips, sphagnum moss, and regular potting mix. Staghorn ferns in baskets do best in large baskets measuring at least 14 inches (36 cm.), but 18 inches (46 cm.) or more is even better.

Caring for Staghorn Fern in a Wire Basket or Pot

Staghorn ferns prefer partial shade or indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which is too intense. On the other hand, staghorn ferns in too much shade tend to grow slowly and are more likely to develop problems with pests or disease. Feed staghorn ferns every month during spring and summer, then cut back to every other month when growth slows in fall and winter. Look for a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Don’t water your staghorn fern until the fronds look slightly wilted and the potting medium feels dry to the touch. Otherwise, it’s easy to overwater, which can be deadly. Once a week is usually enough during warm weather, and much less when the weather is cool or damp.

Staghorn ferns are fascinating plants. They live epiphytically in nature on trees, rocks, and other low soil structures. This ability has led collectors to mount them on driftwood, rocks, or other materials that allow adherence. These plants are native to Africa, southern Asia, and parts of Australia. Mounting staghorn ferns is relatively simple, provided you remember the plant's growing requirements.

About Mounting Staghorn Ferns

It is a wonderful surprise to find a plant hanging on a wall or living in an unexpected place. Mounts for staghorn ferns provide the perfect opportunity to create just such unexpected delights. Can staghorn ferns grow on stones? Yes. Not only can they grow on stones, but they can be mounted on a myriad of objects. All you need is a little imagination, sphagnum moss, and some wire. Staghorn ferns have sterile basal leaves called shields. They also have foliar fronds which will get fuzzy brown growth on them that are sporangia or the reproductive structures. In the wild, these plants may be found growing in old walls, crevasses in rock faces, in tree crotches, and any other handy location. You can mimic this by tying the plant to any structure that appeals to you. The trick is to tie it on loosely enough that you don't damage the plant but securely enough for vertical display. You can also mount the fern to a base structure to lay horizontally. Growing staghorn ferns on rocks or boards is a classic method of display that really mimics the way the plant grows in nature.

Rock Mounts for Staghorn Ferns

Growing staghorn ferns on rocks is an unpredictable method of mounting these tropical plants. As epiphytes, staghorns gather moisture and nutrients from the air. They don't really need potting soil but do appreciate some organic cushioning such as sphagnum moss. The moss will also help indicate when it is time to water. When the moss is dry, it's time to water the plant. To make rock mounts for staghorn ferns, start by soaking several handfuls of sphagnum moss in water. Squeeze out extra moisture and place the moss on your selected stone. Use fishing line, wire, plastic tubing, plant tape, or whatever you choose to loosely bind the moss to the stone. Use the same method to affix the fern to the moss. It is that simple.

Mounting Staghorn Ferns to a Vertical Wall

These remarkable plants make an attractive addition to an old brick or rock wall too. Keep in mind they will not survive cold temperatures, so outdoor mounting should only be done in warm climates. Find a chink in the wall, such as the area where mortar has fallen out or a natural crack in stone. Drive two nails into the area at a space that will flank the edges of the fern. Affix sphagnum moss with a bit of aquarium cement to the wall. Then tie the fern to the nails. Overtime, new large foliar fronds will cover the nails and material used to tie it on. Once the plant begins to spread roots into the crack and has attached itself, you can remove the ties.

If you have a staghorn fern, you have one of the most interesting plants available. These tropical beauties grow on many different types of structures, or they can be raised in containers just like any plant. Caring for the plant is relatively simple, but watering is one chore that is often done incorrectly. Knowing how to fertilize a staghorn is another task that requires timing, and some know how. We'll provide some tips on the correct staghorn fern fertilizer, as well as the when and how.

When to Feed Staghorn Ferns

In nature, staghorn ferns can be found clinging to rocks, stumps, tree crotches, and almost any handy space. They are epiphytic and gather moisture and nutrients from the air with additional sources washed into the cracks their roots have grown into. In their native tropical setting, plant detritus decomposes and filters into the cracks, creating nutrient rich pockets. As houseplants, they may be mounted or pot bound, but their resources are thinner in an urban setting. That means supplemental staghorn fern feeding is necessary for optimum health. For most plants, fertilizers are used during the active growing season. This is the case with staghorn ferns as well. In the winter, the plant is fairly dormant and does not need extra nutrients to fuel growth. During the growing season, feeding a staghorn fern monthly will keep it in tip top shape. A liquid food is best for staghorn fern feeding. It can be diluted to prevent burning and is easy to apply. Young plants may be fed monthly during warm months and every other month during the cool season. Once plants are mature, they can thrive with just a one or two annual feedings during the growing season.

Staghorn Fern Fertilizer Choices

Staghorns will do well on a product with a balanced ratio, such as a 10:10:10 formula. If a liquid purchased product doesn't pass your organic or natural test, there are other options. Staghorn ferns and banana peels are an option that is popular. You simply put a peel under the shield leaves. Overtime, it will decompose and release nutrients to the plant. For quicker decomposition, cut the peel into pieces and slip them under the plant. This will provide high amounts of phosphorus and potassium so you might want to supplement with some nitrogen rich source. Feeding a staghorn fern with banana peels provides a slow release of nutrients that is easy for the plant to uptake.

How to Fertilize a Staghorn

Depending upon the product you use, the actual amount of fertilizer used will vary. In most cases, the container will recommend the correct amount of food and tell you how to use it in water. For mature ferns that are getting fertilized more than once or twice per year, dilute the solution by half. You then water it in as part of your irrigation chores on behalf of the plant. Another method is to use a small amount of granular time release fertilizer sprinkled onto the sphagnum moss. Keep the moss moist as long as the fertilizer is visible to allow the nutrients to leach out of the food. Such controlled release food prevents excess nutrients from building up and gives a gradual feeding over time.

Staghorn ferns are air plants– organisms that grow on the sides of trees instead of in the ground. They have two distinct kinds of leaves: a flat, round kind that grips to the trunk of the host tree and a long, branching kind that resembles deer antlers and earns the plant its name. It’s on these long leaves that you can find spores, the little brown bumps that open and spread the fern’s seed. Keep reading to learn more about how to collect spores from staghorn fern plants.

Gathering Spores on Staghorn Fern

Before you get too excited about propagating staghorn fern spores, it’s important to know that it’s far from the easiest propagation method. Division is much quicker and usually reliable. If you still want to collect spores and are willing to wait at least a year for results, it’s very doable. Spores on staghorn fern plants develop over the course of the summer. At first, they appear on the undersides of the long, antler-like fronds as green bumps. As the summer wears on, the bumps darken to brown – this is the time to harvest. The best way to collect spores on staghorn fern is to cut off one of the fronds and place it in a paper bag. The spores should eventually dry out and drop to the bottom of the bag. Alternatively, you can wait until the spores begin to dry on the plant, then scrape them away gently with a knife.

Staghorn Fern Spore Propagation

Once you have the spores, fill a seed tray with peat based potting medium. Press the spores into the top of the medium, making sure not to cover them. Water your seed tray from the bottom by setting it for a few minutes in a dish of water. When the soil is moist, remove it from the water and let it drain. Cover the tray with plastic and place it in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist and be patient – it may take three to six months for the spores to germinate. Once the plants have a couple true leaves, transplant them into individual pots. It may take up to a year for the plants to establish.

Staghorn ferns (Platicerium) are fascinating epiphytic plants that in their natural environment grow harmlessly in the crooks of trees, where they take their nutrients and moisture from the rain and moist air. Staghorn ferns are native to the tropical climates of Africa, Southeast Asia, Madagascar, Indonesia, Australia, Philippines, and certain tropical areas of the United States.

Staghorn Fern Propagation

If you’re interested in staghorn fern propagation, keep in mind there are no staghorn fern seeds. Unlike most plants that propagate themselves via flowers and seeds, staghorn ferns reproduce by tiny spores that are released into the air. Propagating staghorn ferns in this matter can be a challenging but rewarding project for determined gardeners. Don’t give up, as staghorn fern propagation is a slow process that may require numerous attempts.

How to Collect Spores from Staghorn Fern

Collect staghorn fern spores when the tiny, brownish black dots are easy to scrape from the bottom side of the fronds– usually in summer. Staghorn fern spores are planted on the surface of a layer of well-drained potting media, such as a bark or coir-based compost. Some gardeners have success planting staghorn fern spores in peat pots. Either way, it’s critical that all tools, planting containers, and potting mixes are sterile. Once staghorn fern spores are planted, water the container from the bottom using filtered water. Repeat as needed to keep the potting mix lightly moist but not soaking wet. Alternatively, mist the top lightly with a spray bottle. Place the container in a sunny window and watch for staghorn fern spores to germinate, which may take as long as three to six months. Once the spores germinate, a weekly misting with a very dilute solution of a general-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer will provide necessary nutrients. When the tiny staghorn ferns have several leaves they can be transplanted to small, individual planting containers.

Do Staghorn Ferns Have Roots?

Although staghorn ferns are epiphytic air plants, they do have roots. If you have access to a mature plant, you can remove small offsets (also known as plantlets or pups), along with their root systems. According to University of Florida IFAS Extension, this is a straightforward method that involves simply wrapping the roots in damp sphagnum moss. The small root ball is then attached to a mount.

A staghorn fern is a great plant to have around. It’s easy to care for, and it’s a fantastic conversation piece. The staghorn fern is an epiphyte, meaning it doesn’t root in the ground but instead absorbs its water and nutrients from the air and rain runoff. It also has two distinct types of leaves: basal fronds that grow flat and grip the plant to a surface or “mount,” and foliar fronds that collect rainwater and organic material. The two types of leaves together make for a distinctive look. What if you want to spread your staghorn ferns around? Keep reading to learn more about staghorn fern propagation.

How to Start a Staghorn Fern Plant from Spores

There are a few ways to go about staghorn fern propagation. In nature, the plant often reproduces from spores. Growing staghorn ferns from spores in the garden is possible, though many gardeners choose against it because it’s so time intensive. In the summer, look on the underside of the foliar fronds to find the spores. As the summer wears on, the spores should darken. When this happens, remove a frond or two and put them in a paper bag. When the fronds dry out, brush the spores off. Moisten a small container of peat moss and press the spores into the surface, making sure not to bury them. Cover the container with plastic and place it in a sunny window. Water it from the bottom to keep it moist. It may take three to six months for the spores to germinate. Within a year, you should have a small plant that can be transplanted to a mount.

Staghorn Fern Division

A much less intensive method for propagating staghorn ferns is staghorn fern division. This can be done by cutting a full plant in half with a serrated knife – as long as there are plenty of fronds and roots on both halves, they should be fine. A less invasive form of staghorn fern division is the relocation of “pups.” Pups are little offshoots of the main plant that can be removed relatively easily and attached to a new mount. The method is basically the same to start a pup, division, or spore transplant on a new mount. Pick out a tree or piece of wood for your plant to grow on. This will be your mount. Soak a clump of sphagnum moss and set it on the mount, then set the fern on top of the moss so the basal fronds are touching the mount. Tie the fern in place with non-copper wire, and in time the fronds will grow over the wire and hold the fern in place.

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) have an out-of-this-world appearance. The plants have two types of leaves, one of which resembles the horns of a large herbivore. The plants grow outdoors in warm-season locations and indoors elsewhere. 

Mounted or in a basket is how to grow a staghorn fern, because they are epiphytic, growing in trees generally. Staghorn fern care relies on careful light, temperature, and moisture monitoring.

Staghorn Fern Information

There are 17 different species of staghorn fern (Platycerium alcicorne) - which in addition to common staghorn fern, go by a number of other common names that include elkhorn fern and antelope ears. 

Each one has antler-like foliage as well as a flat, basal leaf. The flat leaves are infertile and turn brown and papery with age. They overlap onto a mounting surface and provide stability for the fern. The foliar fronds may droop or be erect, depending upon the variety of fern.

Staghorn ferns produce spores as reproductive organs, which are borne on the edges of the lobed, antler-type fronds. They do not get flowers and they are generally not rooted in soil.

How to Grow a Staghorn Fern

Growing staghorn ferns is easy. If they get low to medium light and moderate moisture, they will thrive. In fact, whether grown indoors or outside, provide moderate moisture and a humus-rich medium when growing staghorn ferns. Outdoor plants should be located in partial shade or low light conditions for the best growth, while indoor plants need bright indirect light.

Staghorn ferns are usually grown mounted on a piece of wood or in a basket. They will need a little mound of peat, compost, or another organic matter piled up under the plant. Tie the plant onto the growing medium with pantyhose or plant strips.

Growing Staghorn Ferns from Pups

Over time the fern will produce pups that will fill in around the main plant. Ferns don't produce seeds like most plants, so the best way to start a new staghorn fern is from its pups. Use a sharp, sterile knife to cut the pup from the parent plant. Wrap the end of the cut in damp sphagnum moss and tie it onto a piece of wood or bark loosely. Provide the same care of staghorn ferns that you would for an adult fern.

Care of Staghorn Ferns

Care of staghorn ferns relies on careful humidity, light, and temperature control. The ferns can live many years with good care and will get several hundred pounds in their natural habitat. Homegrown ferns are generally much smaller but they can be in the family for decades.

Good staghorn fern care requires frequent watering, but allow the plant medium to dry out in between.

Fertilize them once per month with a 1:1:1 ration fertilizer diluted in water.

The plant is prone to black spot, which is a fungal disease. Do not water over the foliage and minimize humidity indoors to prevent the disfiguring spores.