- Soak your staghorn fern in a sink or basin of water for 10-20 minutes, or until the roots are fully saturated. ...
- Alternately, place the plaque in a sink or bathtub tap, and allow room-temperature water to run through the root ball until it is saturated.
- Allow your plant to drip dry before re-hanging.
How to revive a dying staghorn fern?
How to save a dying staghorn fern
- Dry the soil. Watering too often can cause Water-logging and eventually lead to fungal infection. Stag horn ferns can be killed by a fungal infection.
- Fertilizer. Adding a small amount of fertilizer can help you save a dying staghorn fern. ...
- A greenhouse effect. Another good way to save a dying staghorn fern is to use the greenhouse effect. ...
How to properly mount a rot-resistant staghorn fern?
How to Mount a Staghorn Fern
- Measure and Drill. Place the potted fern in the center of the wood plank, making sure that a sterile leaf is turned toward the top.
- Add the Plants. Dip a handful of moss in warm water, and then arrange it on the plank in between the screws. ...
- Secure. ...
- Hang. ...
How cold hardy are staghorn ferns?
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 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.
Can staghorn ferns grow in shade?
Although staghorn ferns thrive in partial shade, they aren't adapted to living in full shade. If your outdoor area is primarily full shade, observe the yard and other possible growing areas such as a porch, balcony or south-facing wall of your home to see if any place gets at least a little sun.
What is so special about a staghorn fern?
Staghorn Ferns are Epiphytes In the tropics (and even warmer parts of the US like Florida), staghorn ferns grow to truly massive proportions, jutting dramatically out of the crooks of trees. Their roots hold them in place, and they absorb water and nutrients through their fronds.
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.
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.
Can you grow a staghorn fern from a leaf?
Propagating Staghorn Fern Spores. 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.
Should I wipe the leaves of my staghorn fern?
Cleaning a 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.
Should I remove dead leaves from staghorn?
Remove these fronds near their base if the entire frond is dead or damaged, or just cut back to the nearest healthy portion of the foliage if only part of the frond is dead or damaged. Leave the dead and damaged basal fronds on the plant because they provide food for the fern as they decompose.
Should I cover my staghorn fern in the winter?
Staghorn ferns and cold weather do not work, though a few varieties can tolerate very short periods of temperatures down to 30 F. (-1 C.). Staghorn ferns also need a partly shaded or shaded location.
Can a staghorn fern survive a freeze?
Most staghorn ferns are considered tender or semi-tender to cold and will not tolerate cold temperatures. There are exceptions, such as P. bifurcatum and P. veitchii, which can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F (–1.1°C).
Is a bathroom a good place for a staghorn fern?
Air-freshening Plants for Bathrooms and Showers: the Staghorn Fern on Acrylic Disk. This buoyant and naturally cheerful staghorn fern is perfect for bathrooms because it can be mounted high on a wall. It will thrive in the typical light and moisture conditions of a shower bathroom set up.
How do you multiply a staghorn fern?
Staghorn fern can be propagated from the spores but because that is such a slow process they generally are propagated by division, carefully cutting off small pups with a sharp knife, making sure each piece has some fertile and sterile fronds and roots.
Can you cut a staghorn fern in half?
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.
How do you harvest staghorn fern puppies?
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.
Can staghorn ferns grow indoors?
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.
How often should I soak my 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.
Is staghorn fern A parasite?
But staghorns are not parasitic—they get their nourishment from the air and rain, not from their host plant.
Are staghorn ferns epiphytes?
Staghorn frens are epiphytes that need some sort of support on which to grow. As epiphytes, staghorn ferns do not grow in soil, but attach to trees when growing in nature. Small plants can be grown in containers with a rich and very well-drained medium.
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.
How do staghorn ferns reproduce?
Image by terex. 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.
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.
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.
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.
What is a staghorn fern?
Image by sdbower. 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.
What causes black spots on staghorn fern?
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.
How to keep rhizoctonia from destroying?
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.
Is a staghorn fern a disease?
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 ...
Can mealybugs be used on staghorn ferns?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What to use to mount a staghorn?
You can also use something less natural, such as a wire basket. However, whatever you choose as the mount, it must allow the Staghorn’s roots to take hold and must offer sufficient support to hold the plant as it grows.
What do I need to mount a fern?
For this method of mounting the fern, you will need something that can hold the plant, but which has a flat bottom. I recommend using a piece of aluminum.
How to tie a fern in place?
This can be done quite simply by placing the fern where you want it to be and using a soft wire, or string, to tie it in place.
What is a staghorn?
Essentially, a Staghorn is a type of air plant. It takes all its nutrients and water from the atmosphere. The roots only attach the plant to the tree.
What are the leaves on a staghorn?
The Staghorn has two types of leaves: the typical ‘antlers’, which are long and stick out from the center of the plant; and the ‘shield’, which are hard and round and grow around the base of the plant, protecting the roots.
Can a staghorn grow in the ground?
Most simply, a Staghorn doesn’t grow in the ground and needs support to hold onto. However, mounting this plant is not just for support.
Can you put ferns outside?
You can also put the fern outside on a tree, or even mounted on a fence. This will really only suit warm climates.
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.
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. ...
Is staghorn fern a tropical plant?
Staghorn Ferns. Once an uncommon plant find, staghorn fern ( Platycerium spp.) is now quite popular and widely available. Beginner (or easily-distracted) gardeners in Florida should consider growing this fascinating tropical plant. Staghorn fern thrives in Florida's heat and humidity; it grows quite well in South Florida ...
Can you overwater a fern?
As far as irrigation is concerned, be sure not to overwater your plant. Since it can be hard to tell how moist or dry the planting medium is, it's best to wait until your fern wilts slightly before watering. Where a wilting fern will where quickly recover with water, an overwatered fern will rot and die.
What kinds of staghorn ferns are there?
Staghorn ferns are known by several other names, including elkhorn ferns, Australian elk’s horn ferns, and antelope ears. There are several Platycerium species available for sale, and also some crosses and cultivars to add even more diversity. This video from Herb Halling of the Los Angeles County Arboretum gives a comprehensive overview of all the options available:
Does a staghorn tree hurt?
This association does not hurt the tree. The staghorn does not steal nutrients or damage the tree like parasitic plants such as mistletoe, instead sustaining itself from whatever dead leaves and rotting bark can be trapped as it falls from above, or is washed down in rainwater.
Can a mounted fern be mounted in the bathroom?
This is the ideal scenario for your ferns too, and can be reproduced by allowing for cycles of dry and wet conditions. The fern should be mounted away from drafts to help protect against dehydration, and occasional misting is recommended to maintain humidity. Some enthusiasts will mount their Staghorn in the bathroom, either permanently if light levels are sufficient, or for occasional humidifying visits to rejuvenate the plant.
Can staghorn ferns be moved outside?
Because of this tropical origin, staghorn ferns grown for domestic appreciation are best suited to hotter climates or indoor locations where there is little danger of frost or cold damage. If mounted or hanging, the plant can be moved outside in summer months.
Do staghorns need fertilizer?
Staghorns need additional minimal soil or fertilizer once established. If you are concerned that the fern is failing to thrive, a low dose of balanced fertilizer can be used occasionally to help it along. In time, the fern can also grow to overwhelm the original mount, at which point it can be transferred to a larger mount with a fresh dose of leaf mold based compost – a sort of “repotting” onto a larger fake tree!
Do ferns spread through the soil?
Ferns have a reputation as invasive plants that spread aggressively through the yard, but this reputation is not really deserved. In fact, only a few fern species spread through the soil - most are...
Do staghorns like shade?
A final consideration is the position of the mount relative to light. Although staghorns prefer partial shade, the bifurcated fronds will grow towards the sun. This is how they are adapted to their natural climate, up in the canopy of the rainforest and searching for sunlight. Accordingly, it is best to position the ferns facing towards the light source (though not in direct sun). If the fern is positioned facing to the side or away from the light, the fronds may grow to be lopsided and asymmetrical.
What is a staghorn fern?
Staghorn ferns, occasionally referred to as “stag head fern,” are so called for their resemblance to antlers. The stag plant is typically mounted to a wooden plaque and displayed by hanging on a wall. The plants grow best in warm, humid conditions, indoors or out.
What is the best material for staghorn ferns?
As epiphytes , staghorn ferns prefer a coarse, well-draining growing medium that is high in organic matter. Instead of growing them as potted plants, most growers mount them on wood planks, or plaques. Cedar makes an excellent staghorn fern mounting board because it is naturally rot resistant. The medium of choice is dried sphagnum moss.
What is an elephant ear fern?
Elephant Ear Staghorn fern ( P. elephantotis) displays rounded, almost cabbage-like fronds without the forking seen in other Platycerium species.
Why are my staghorn fern leaves turning brown?
If staghorn fern brown leaves are a problem, it is probably a watering issue. Stag plants are sensitive to both overwatering and under-watering. When fronds begin to turn dark at the base, it’s a symptom of overwatering. Brown frond tips and wilting are signs of under-watering.
How hot does a staghorn fern grow?
Staghorn ferns grow well in average home temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. During temperate summers, they appreciate the heat and humidity outdoors, but be sure to avoid direct sunlight. Move them back inside when night temperatures drop into the 50s.
How to keep staghorns healthy?
High humidity is vital for good staghorn plant health. Keep the plant away from heat vents, fireplaces, and other arid zones. Mist the fronds daily to boost the ambient humidity. If the fronds begin to brown at the tips, but the root ball is still moist, mist more frequently. Consider moving the plant to a bathroom, or even the shower, for a humidity boost.
How long does it take for a fern seed to grow?
They can be harvested and started in sterilized seed starting mix. There are several ways to do it, but all are somewhat complicated and it takes at least a year before the baby plants are large enough to transplant.
