Where do staghorns grow best?

Staghorn ferns are easy to grow; they like bright, indirect light and good drainage. Avoid placing them in direct sun. These ferns grow well in shady spots outdoors during the warm season. When temperatures start dipping below 60 degrees, bring them indoors for the cool season.

Where should I put my staghorn fern?

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.

What environment do Staghorns like?

These tropical plants need good air circulation, bright indirect light, warm temperatures, moderate humidity and consistent moisture. Staghorn ferns absorb water through their fronds as well as the roots so be sure to soak the basal fronds and the medium.

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.

Which direction should a Staghorn face?

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 Fern (Platycerium Bifurcatum) Growing Tips

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn?

Banana skins, coffee grounds and tea bags are excellent slow release fertilizers that you can place behind your Staghorn or Elkhorn plants.

Where do you put the banana peel on a staghorn?

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.

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.

Do staghorn ferns need to be hung?

Benefits Of Mounting A Staghorn Fern

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum, aka Elkhorn Fern) are epiphytes. That means that they attach themselves to trees and other things in their native habitat. So mounting them on a log, a tree, or a board rather than putting them in a pot is the most natural way to grow them.

Should I mist my staghorn fern?

The Staghorn Fern absorbs water through both its roots (like any other plant) and its fronds, so they will appreciate ambient humidity via misting or running a humidifier in the room, especially during dry winters.

How often should I water my staghorn fern?

Proper watering is an essential component of a staghorn fern's success. They'll need frequent watering, but the base should be allowed to dry out in between—about once a week in warmer climates or during the summer months, and once every two to three weeks in cooler months.

What do you put behind staghorns?

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.

What is the best food for staghorns?

They can be fed by placing organic matter such as leaf litter, banana skins or compost at the back of the plant (near where it meets the backing board) or watered with a very diluted dose of SeaMax Organic Fertiliser Liquid. Elkhorns and staghorns may also benefit from watering during very hot, dry periods.

How long does a staghorn fern live?

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.

What kind of wood do you mount a staghorn fern on?

Mounting Staghorn Ferns should be done on rot resistant wood like cedar. Because of the aggressive way that they are watered, and the fact that they are so closely connected to the wood, you need something that can last long term.

Are egg shells good for staghorn ferns?

Are eggshells good for staghorn ferns? Eggshells can provide a good source of calcium for plants!

How much is a large staghorn fern worth?

Large staghorn ferns cost about $100. On the other hand, fully matured staghorn ferns older than 25 years cost between $500 and $1000.

What is the lowest temperature a staghorn fern 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.

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.

How do you winterize a staghorn fern?

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. Did you find this helpful?

Are banana peels good for staghorn ferns?

ANSWER: Banana peels can contribute lots of potassium and a little phosphorus to the nutrient needs of your staghorn fern. But they contain very little nitrogen, which also is needed for good growth. So go ahead, toss a few banana peels among the foliage to slowly release their nutrients.

Do staghorns like sun or shade?

Staghorn ferns need lots of bright but indirect or diffused sunlight. If you keep them as an indoor plant, place them near a window with bright light. Avoid west-facing windows as this might expose the fern to too much direct afternoon sun.

Can you mount Staghorn on driftwood?

You can really mount these plants to anything vertical so don't be afraid to get creative. It would look great mounted to raw lumber, sliced tree trunks, driftwood, you name it.