How long do staghorn ferns live?
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.
What are the different types of staghorn ferns?
The most common staghorn fern is platycerium bifurcatum. There are countless varieties of P. bifurcatum, including many with interesting leaf forms. Another species, P. grande, is sometimes called the elkhorn fern. This plant features very large solid fronds up to 5 feet in length.
Can a staghorn fern be too big to remount?
In some instances ferns grow so large that remounting becomes impractical, but there's no need to worry; staghorns tolerate crowded conditions. As far as irrigation is concerned, be sure not to overwater your plant.
How fast staghorn fern grow?
Staghorn fern are slow-growing, growing around 4 feet in 10-20 years.
What is so special about staghorn ferns?
Staghorns differ from other kinds of ferns in having two kinds of leaves. Most apparent are the long gray‐green forked fronds, covered usually with downy white fine hairs the “staghorns.” These fronds are fertile leaves that bear spores, the progenitors of future generations.
Do staghorn ferns like shade or sun?
Staghorn ferns need bright, indirect or diffused light to thrive, though most species must be protected from the harsh rays of the direct sun. We tell people to put staghorn ferns in the brightest space in their home where, again, the plant will not take direct sun.
Do staghorn ferns do well in pots?
Staghorn ferns can grow in pots, but they should not be planted in mineral soil. Instead, use a well-draining planting medium made primarily of organic matter. A 50/50 mixture of orchid bark and cactus potting mix is appropriate.
Should you wipe staghorn fern leaves?
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.
What do you put behind a staghorn fern?
After your stag or elk is mounted You'll notice that the dead fronds at the back of the fern curl over to form a convenient basket shape. Fill the basket with sphagnum moss, compost, tea leaves, banana skins, or whatever organic material happens to be lying around. Water the fern well.
How often should you water a staghorn fern?
In the home it's probably a good idea to give your staghorn fern's fronds a misting daily, especially during summer. As for the more thorough waterings, you'll likely be performing those around once a week during summer and once every two weeks during winter, depending on light and temperature.
Can you overwater a staghorn?
Since the Staghorn Fern is an epiphyte that naturally grows along tree trunks in the tropics, its roots are smaller than you might expect and are easily overwatered. This can lead to root rot and harm your plant. Keep an eye out for brown or black spots at the base of the antler fronds, which indicate overwatering.
Where is the best place to hang a staghorn fern?
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.
Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?
Banana skins, coffee grounds and tea bags are excellent slow release fertilizers that you can place behind your Staghorn or Elkhorn plants.
How do you feed a banana to a staghorn fern?
1:383:38How To Feed Bananas to Staghorn Ferns - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can try the banana peel skin down on a paper bag or scattered the macerated pieces over aMoreYou can try the banana peel skin down on a paper bag or scattered the macerated pieces over a plastic film or cutting board to dry the pieces.
What do you do with staghorn ferns in the winter?
Growing Staghorn Ferns in Winter 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.
Do staghorn ferns clean the air?
Despite being somewhat hardy and tolerating a light frost, the Staghorn Fern must be over winterized in hardiness zones below eight. Not only does this fern provide help with the degradation of air toxins, but its epithetic growth habit also makes it a perfect specimen for decorating your walls.
Why is it called staghorn fern?
The plant's common name comes from the shape of those fertile fronds, which branch out to look like antlers. Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, meaning that they grow on the branches of other plants.
Is staghorn fern toxic to humans?
The Staghorn Fern is non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs.
Is a staghorn fern poisonous?
Staghorn ferns are non-toxic to plants and animals but should not be eaten in large quantities.
How to protect staghorn fern from frost?
Keep in mind, staghorn fern will need protection from any freezing temperatures. Mounting your staghorn somewhere protected, like under a tree or on a porch, will help protect it from frosts. However, gardeners in North and Central Florida should bring their ferns inside when extremely cold temperatures are expected, if possible.
How many species of staghorn fern are there?
Staghorn fern is a member of the Polypodiaceae family; there are presently eighteen known species, as well as many varieties and hybrids of this plant.
What is a small plant that grows in a basket called?
When grown in a basket, small plants called pups will grow out of the back and sides of the basket to eventually cover the whole surface. Large-growing staghorns can be remounted or divided if needed. You'll know it's time to remount your fern when the basal fronds have grown to the sides of your mount surface.
Is staghorn fern low maintenance?
Staghorn fern is an interesting and low-maintenance addition to any home. And you can share the growing fun through propagation—remove "pups" that emerge from the main plant and pass on to friends and family. For more information about staghorn fern and other landscape plants, contact your local Extension office.
Is staghorn fern easy to grow?
While some species of staghorn fern can be a bit difficult to care for, these two species are low-maintenance and commonly grown. Other easy-to-grow species of staghorn fern are P. alcicorne and P. hillii.
Can staghorn ferns survive in cold weather?
Staghorn fern flourishes in warm, humid climates and should be protected from cold conditons. It's generally considered a tender plant; most species can't tolerate temperatures below 55°F. However, Platycerium bifurcatum and Platycerium veitchii can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F. While some species of staghorn fern can be a bit difficult to care for, these two species are low-maintenance and commonly grown. Other easy-to-grow species of staghorn fern are P. alcicorne and P. hillii.
Can staghorn ferns survive freezing temperatures?
Keep in mind, staghorn fern will need protection from any freezing temperatures. Mounting your staghorn somewhere protected, like under a tree or on a porch, will help protect it from frosts. However, gardeners in North and Central Florida should bring their ferns inside when extremely cold temperatures are expected, if possible. ...
What is a sterile fern?
The sterile leaves are also referred to as shield leaves, as they grow around the root ball, protecting it. When the Staghorn Fern is grown as a houseplant or outside in a garden, the way you water it will depend on the growing medium you have used. In most instances, the plant will be growing on sphagnum moss.
How do you know if a staghorn fern needs water?
In order to understand the watering requirements of the Staghorn Fern, you need to understand a little about the science of the plant and how it absorbs moisture and nutrients. The Fern has two types of leaves: fertile and sterile. On a mature Staghorn Fern, it is easy to quickly distinguish between the two because the fertile leaves are the long antler-shaped green leaves, while the sterile leaves are the brown and dry looking leaves at the base of the plant.
What is the best medium for a staghorn fern?
Many people choose to mount their Staghorn Fern on a wooden board or hang it from a wide basket. In these instances, sphagnum moss is generally the best growing medium. Fix it to your board or basket with wires, and then, securely attach your plant on top of this.
Why are my staghorn ferns' leaves brown?
On younger plants, the sterile leaves start out pale green, but as they age, it is normal for them to become brown and look almost dead. They fulfill a very important purpose to the survival of the plant, so it’s vital that you don’t remove the brown leaves. The primary function of the fertile leaves is reproduction. They produce spores from which new Staghorn Ferns can be grown. The sterile leaves are how the plant feeds itself and protects itself. In its natural habitat, the brown leaves would catch falling debris and foliage from other plants, which, over time, would decompose and release nutrients that would be absorbed by the plant.
Why don't you remove brown leaves from a staghorn fern?
They fulfill a very important purpose to the survival of the plant, so it’s vital that you don’t remove the brown leaves. The primary function of the fertile leaves is reproduction. They produce spores from which new Staghorn Ferns can be grown. The sterile leaves are how the plant feeds itself and protects itself.
What is a staghorn fern?
The Staghorn Fern is an unusual plant, being both an air plant and a fern, though it bears little resemblance to most ferns. In its natural environment of tropical forests, the plant grows on tree trunks or rocks, absorbing moisture from the humid air and collecting nutrients from the falling leaves of overhead trees.
How to treat a plant with sterile leaves?
You could use a few ice cubes each week as a watering method; as they melt, they will gradually water the plant, ensuring that the soil never becomes too wet. As the sterile leaves also absorb moisture, you can spray them with a water mist to water the plant, but be careful not to mist the fertile leaves. Sitting water on the fertile leaves can block their pores and interfere with the production of spores.
Why do staghorn ferns have black spots?
More frequently, you'll see black spot on a staghorn fern, directly related to too much humidity or traveling spores.
What does a staghorn fern look like?
Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home.". Staghorn ferns look very much like deer or elk antlers, hence their unusual name. Native to Asia and Australia, the plants are part of the Polypodiaceae family—they grow slowly, but end up being quite large and impressive once mature.
How to propagate staghorn fern?
Staghorn ferns can be propagated by spore or division. Large, mature staghorn can be easily divided into smaller plants, and even small "chunks" that include a leaf and a bit of root ball can be potted individually. Make sure new divisions are kept warm and moist until they are growing independently.
How many species of Platycerium are there?
There are 17 species of Platycerium, but only one, the staghorn fern, is truly common in home cultivation. Staghorn ferns were once considered difficult to grow, but today they are quite popular. These ferns are epiphytic, which means they grow mounted on plaques or other substrates. They have two distinct leaf forms—small, ...
How to increase humidity around plants?
To increase the humidity around your plant, try placing it in one of the more naturally humid areas of your home, such as the bathroom or kitchen. If that doesn't work, increase the humidity around the plant by using a small-scale humidifier or spritzing the plant periodically .
How big do antler fronds get?
They have two distinct leaf forms—small, flat leaves (known as shield fronds) that cover the root ball structure and take up water and nutrients; and green, pronged antler fronds that emerge from this base and can reach up to three feet in length indoors (and larger in the wild). Botanical Name.
Why are my fronds turning brown?
If you notice the fronds have begun to brown or blacked towards the base, it's likely your plant is being over watered. Likewise, if the tips of the fronds begin to brown or wilt, it probably needs to be watered more frequently.
How to keep a staghorn fern from misting?
If your staghorn fern is in a space where it receives lots of ambient humidity, like a bathroom, you’ll probably be able to reduce your misting and watering. More light or heat = more watering. During the summer, be especially attentive to your stag.
How to get rid of staghorn fern?
Soaking your staghorn fern. Soak your staghorn fern in a sink or basin of water for 10-20 minutes, or until the roots are fully saturated.
What is the second type of staghorn fern?
The second type of staghorn fern frond is called the shield frond. These are the round, hard plate-like leaves that surround the base of the plant. Their function is to protect the plant roots, and take up water and nutrients. These fronds start out green, but eventually turn brown and dry up. This is a totally normal part of the staghorn fern life-cycle -- in fact, this is one of the most common misconceptions in staghorn fern care. A brown shield frond does not mean your staghorn fern is dying, and dried shield fronds should never be removed!
How many species of staghorn fern are there?
There are about 12,000 fern species, and ferns are amongst the most ancient plants.
What are staghorn fern leaves called?
Fern leaves are actually called fronds , and staghorn ferns have two types. The first, and most prominent, is the “antler” frond - these are the large, bifurcated leaves that shoot out of the center of the plant, and from which staghorn ferns get their names, since they resemble the antlers of deer or moose.
Why is my staghorn fern not growing?
Under and over-watering are the most common causes of staghorn fern failure. There is no hard and fast rule as to how often a staghorn fern will need watering - the amount of light, humidity and heat they receive in your home will dictate your watering schedule. However, here are a few rules that tend to work well for us:
What is the final part of a staghorn fern?
The final part of the staghorn fern is the root ball. Since stags are epiphytes, their root systems are fairly minimal, and help the plant attach to its home. Because the roots are so minimal, staghorn ferns need extensive drainage and are particularly susceptible to root rot.
How to get rid of spores on ferns?
Scrape spores off the bottom of a fern leaf. Hold a leaf from a Staghorn fern over a white piece of paper, bottom side up. Use a butter knife to gently scrape off the little brown dots all over the bottom of the leaf. Once you have a pile about the size of a quarter, you can stop.
What is a staghorn fern?
This article has been viewed 154,595 times. Staghorn ferns are large antler-shaped ferns that hang on the sides of trees, and they make stunning displays when mounted on the wall inside your home. Propagating fern spores is time-consuming, but it is possible to do it yourself.
How to spread fern spores evenly?
Gently shake the paper and move it around over the container to spread the spores evenly across the mixture. You may need to scrape some of the spores off the paper with the butter knife. To avoid contaminating the fern spores when you're planting them, make sure your hands and clothes are clean.
How to avoid contaminating ferns?
To avoid contaminating the fern spores when you're planting them, make sure your hands and clothes are clean. Only use tools and containers that have been sterilized with 5-10 percent bleach.
How to get spores to grow in your house?
Find a place in your home where the spores will receive a little light all day, but no direct sunlight. They need to stay moderately cool while they propagate. Off to the side near a window will work, just be sure the light never lands directly on the container. ...
How to get rid of a fungus in a container?
Only use tools and containers that have been sterilized with 5-10 percent bleach. Place the container in a cool, dimly lit spot. Find a place in your home where the spores will receive a little light all day, but no direct sunlight. They need to stay moderately cool while they propagate.
How to make a moss propagator?
3. Create a propagator with a plastic box, perlite, and peat moss. Any plastic container with a tight-fitting lid will do, just be sure it will fit in your microwave. Then add a 1- to 2-inch (2.5 to 5 cm) layer of fine perlite, followed by a 2- to 3-inch (5 to 7.5 cm) layer of peat moss.
What does it mean when a staghorn fern is brown?
While brown, dry tissue is normal on staghorn fern’s basal fronds, black or gray spots are not normal and may indicate over watering. 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, ...
What is the purpose of staghorn ferns?
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.
How to water a mounted staghorn fern?
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.
What is a staghorn fern?
Printer Friendly Version. Image by Silivonochka. 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 ...
Can you spray staghorn ferns?
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.
Can you remove brown fronds from a staghorn fern?
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, ...
Do staghorn ferns have fronds?
Staghorn ferns also produce upright, unique fronds which resemble stag horns. The primary function of these upright fronds are reproduction, not water absorption. In the home or garden, staghorn fern water requirements may be higher, especially in times of drought and low humidity.
Why do People Hang Staghorn Ferns?
When young, these ferns can do well in pots. However, you have to keep in mind that when bringing a plant indoors, you must simulate its native environment.
How do Staghorn Ferns Grow?
It’s imperative that you understand that this fern type is quite different from most other plants.
How to Save a Dying Staghorn Fern?
As a new staghorn fern gardener, you may mistake natural plant changes as signs of death. When antler fronds come out at first, they are green.
Why is Your Staghorn Fern Collapsing?
Like we earlier covered, these plants do not rely on their roots for much other than supporting the plant .
How Can You Deal With Staghorn Fern Root Rot?
First, you need to get rid of the affected leaves using clean equipment to avoid the rot from spreading to other parts of the plant.
How Should you Water Your Fern?
The staghorn fern requires both misting and watering for it to do well.
Why is Your Staghorn Fern Turning Brown?
Browning on the antler fronds followed by complete drying of the leaves is common with ferns as it’s a natural part of their growth.
