Staghorn fern
Staghorn fern
A Staghorn fern is an epiphytic plant which means it grows on other plants or objects for support but is not parasitic. This type of fern is known for its shape that mimics deer or elk antlers. The fern has two distinct leaf forms—small, flat leaves (known as shield fronds) that cover and protect 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 3 feet in length indoors (and larger in the wild). A staghorn fern grows best in warm, very humid conditions, bright, indirect, or dappled sunlight, in a base of organic soil, and it prefers temperatures between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water frequently and consistently but wait until the base dries out before watering.
- Place the staghorn fern in a humid room (such as a bathroom) or increase humidity around the plant.
- Fertilize monthly to promote healthy growth.
- Do not wipe away the white, dust-like material from the fronds of your fern. This material protects the fern from direct, harsh sunlight and drought.
Light
Staghorn ferns prefer to be kept in a location that offers consistent but shaded light. That being said, they can handle more sunlight if given enough water, warmth, and humidity. Just be cautious about allowing any direct rays to hit the fragile fronds, as they can burn easily.
Soil and Mounting
Though young ferns may be started in a moist traditional potting mixture, staghorn ferns should be mounted once they progress toward maturity. Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, growing on the sides of trees or other plants in the wild, and will therefore thrive in similar conditions in your home. To mount, you'll need a starting lump of peat, compost, moss, or other organic matter to act as the base, but beyond that should not need additional soil.
Mounting is done by securing the fern with its bottom embedded in a lump of peat, compost, moss, or another organic material to a wooden board or bark slab, using a fishing line or wire. The mounted fern can then be hung from the wall. As new fronds grow, they will gradually hide the fastening material as they grow to cover the old fronds. Though it grows slowly, a staghorn fern ends up quite large and impressive once mature. The mass can grow large and heavy and may require remounting on a larger slab.1
Water
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.
Blackening Fronds
It's challenging to find the right amount of water your staghorn fern prefers. If you notice the fronds have begun to blacken towards the base of the plant, it's likely your plant is being overwatered.
Wilting Frond Tips
If the tips of the fronds begin to wilt, the plant probably needs to be watered more frequently.
Brown Shield Fronds
Shield fronds are the small, flat leaves that cover the root structure. It's normal for shield fronds on the base to turn brown and dry up. Shield fronds should be allowed to remain on the plant.
Brown Growth Underneath the Antler Fronds
If you spot a brownish, velvety material on the underside of longer antler fronds, do not worry and do not remove them. The brown velvety material is normal reproductive sporangia.
Share
Let customers speak for us
from 34 reviewsShe arrived well packaged along with my other two plants. She is full and healthy! So glad I purchased her!
Love my new fern! She made it to her new home safe and sound. The Rooted even messaged me about what day they were shipping out making sure it was a day the weather wasn’t so hot the plant would scorch. Definitely recommend!
This was a very fun workshop to attend! I learned a lot about different varieties of carnivorous plants, while getting to build my own beautiful carnivorous terrarium! The 2 plants I chose are thriving, and definitely helping with the gnat population in my house.
I am thrilled with my mystery box plants, fantastic experience as usual (I’m a repeat buyer and love getting plants I wouldn’t normally think of purchasing. Love! Thank you so much.
Very happy with the new addition to my collection. Plant is a good size and appears to be healthy. Would order from her again.
I learned a lot and Melanie is very knowledgeable. Easy to understand instructions and information about carnivorous plants. I am looking forward to being able to take good care of these plants. Can't wait for the terrarium workshop!
Omg...the ivy was so cute...smaller than what I expected. I put in bigger pot, love the small, itsy one sent also. Potted him and I'm just waiting. Thank you guys!!!
The 6” Melanochrysum I purchased through The Rooted Plant Shop has become the epitome of my entire plant collection. Without a doubt my best plant purchase to date, and I’ve purchased quite a few! You can’t go wrong, getting plants through this shop. They never disappoint!!
This plant came in perfect condition! Exactly as pictured, healthy and happy roots, and no pests. What more could you want? The owner of this shop is absolutely a peach aswell!
Every plant gets hand picked and hand delivered by Mel. My Fernwood is so adorable and pushing new growth.
The plant is exactly as expected. Always beautiful.
Love this little plant, and thankfully this one is in excellent health. I was surprised how many individual plant/strands that are in the small pot!
The plants are beautiful and there was no delay!