How do you know when a staghorn fern needs water?

How do I know if my staghorn fern needs water?

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.

What does an overwatered staghorn fern look like?

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.

What does a healthy staghorn fern look like?

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.

Should I wipe the leaves of my staghorn fern?

The shield frond helps anchor the plant in place and will also help protect the delicate root ball moist and trap water. Secondly, the white, dust-like material on the fronds is not actually dust and should not be wiped off. It helps the plant to conserve moisture as well as provide protection from strong sunlight.

How to water staghorn ferns

How do I make my staghorn fern happy?

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.

How often should you mist a staghorn fern?

We recommend misting your Staghorn Ferns as they heavily rely on moisture in the air. If you mist your plants, you should mist them at least three times a day for your fern to benefit.

Why are the tips of my staghorn fern turning brown?

Common Problem: If the antler fronds of your Staghorn Fern are turning brown, this could be because of overwatering. However, if the antler fronds are turning brown at the tips or wilt, this could be because of underwatering. Solution: Staghorn Fern doesn't tolerate overwatering.

Why are my Staghorn leaves curling?

Curled leaves and brown leaf-edges are the result of too little water and over-exposure to the sun. Staghorn Ferns are best located in bright, indirect settings, and those that haven't acclimatised to the harsh rays will show signs of sun-scorch and environmental shock.

How do you tell if fern is overwatered?

Stunted slow growth accompanied by yellowing leaves is also a symptom. Leaves falling off often accompanies this symptom. If your plants have yellowing leaves and old leaves, as well as new leaves that are falling at the same accelerated rate, you are overwatering.

Where is the best place to hang a Staghorn?

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.

How much light should a staghorn fern get?

Light: This fern likes bright indirect light, as it's used to having sun filtered through tree canopies. Use a sheer curtain or blinds to keep the direct sunbeams from damaging its fronds, allowing it to get 4-7 hours of light.

What is the lowest temperature staghorn ferns can tolerate?

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.

Is Epsom salt good for staghorn ferns?

And they can lose these substances over time through watering. Epsom salt to the rescue! Epsom salt has minerals perfect for fern growth and fern care.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns? Yes, small amounts of coffee grounds can help to boost acidity.

How do you know if a staghorn fern is dying?

If you find that the stem has turned black, you're probably too late to save it. Black often spells trouble for a plant, and if black spots appear on the fronds, it usually means the staghorn fern is fighting rhizoctonia.

Do staghorn ferns like sun or shade?

Exposure. Staghorn Ferns like bright, natural light but no direct sun. They typically grow under the canopies of trees which provide light shade. An east exposure in your home is fine as well as west or south but with these last 2, make sure your fern is at least 10′ away from a hot window.

Why do staghorn fern leaves droop?

Incredibly dry soil

If you accidentally let your fern's soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly start to wrinkle and brown. If the soil is extremely dry all the way through the pot, a good soak is in order.

Do staghorn ferns absorb water through leaves?

Staghorn ferns absorb water through their fronds as well as the roots so be sure to soak the basal fronds and the medium. Allow some drying of the growing medium in between waterings; staghorn ferns rot easily if overwatered.

What is the best food for staghorn ferns?

A: You can use organic fertilizers such as diluted fish emulsion, applied every two to three weeks in spring and summer, if ferns are in containers, or monthly if grown in the garden. Kelp also is good. Or you can use small amounts of a balanced fertilizer such as an 8-8-8.

How do you keep Staghorns healthy?

Staghorns need very little maintenance. In fact, those grown onto the trunk of a tree can usually fend for themselves and care should be taken not to over feed or overwater them. In conditions with full overhead shelter, such as under the eves of a house, supplementary feeding and watering is advisable.

Do banana peels help staghorn ferns?

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.

How long do Staghorn Ferns live for?

Answer and Explanation: One of the oldest-living staghorn ferns is said to be 90 years old. When properly cared for, staghorn ferns can thrive for many generations with minimum maintenance.