How To Take Care Of Your Indoor Staghorn Plant?

Staghorn ferns, native to the rainforests of Australia and Southeast Asia, are an exotic plant in the Polypodiaceae family. They have a unique growth pattern that allows them to thrive without soil beneath them, making them perfect for indoor mounting. To care for a staghorn fern, water them frequently and consistently, but wait until the base dries out before watering. Place the staghorn fern in a humid room or increase humidity around the plant. Fertilize monthly to promote healthy growth.

Staghorn ferns need bright, indirect, or diffused light to thrive, but most species must be protected from direct sunlight. Use well-draining soil so that roots can breathe and aren’t standing in water. The fern absorbs water through its fronds, and it grows best in warm, very humid conditions, bright, indirect, or dappled sunlight, in a base of organic soil.

Watering is essential for the staghorn fern, as they start to wilt when the fronds start to slightly droop. An effective watering method is to submerge the plant pot in a bucket of water for a few minutes, or leave the fern outside in the rain for a few minutes. High humidity is vital for good staghorn plant health, and the plant should be kept away from heat vents, fireplaces, and other arid zones. Mist the fronds to maintain moisture and humidity.

In summary, caring for a staghorn fern is crucial for its vibrant and long-lasting growth. Follow these recommendations to ensure your staghorn fern remains a vibrant and healthy plant.

Should I mist my Staghorn Fern?

Staghorn Ferns thrive in high humidity environments, ranging from 30-40 indoors. They can be maintained by misting their fronds daily or using a humidifier. They prefer temperatures between 60-75°F and don’t have a strong cold tolerance. As epiphytes, they can live in a planter with a well-draining potting mix or mounted on a board or basket filled with sphagnum moss, bark chips, or a mixture of both. To mount a Staghorn Fern, refer to the How to Mount a Staghorn Fern blog post.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?

The use of banana skins, coffee grounds, and tea bags as slow-release fertilizers for Staghorn or Elkhorn plants has been demonstrated to be an effective method. In addition to nourishing the plants, these materials also facilitate the formation of organic matter, which helps to retain water and nutrients. Additionally, the water from tea or coffee can be utilized on or behind the plant, or placed in a container or dispersed throughout the garden. This approach facilitates the maintenance of plant health.

Do staghorns like coffee grounds?

The application of coffee grounds to staghorn ferns has been demonstrated to assist in maintaining the optimal pH balance within the soil. However, it is important to note that this practice may also present certain risks. For instance, the overfertilization resulting from the use of coffee grounds can lead to the development of nutrient imbalances and the burning of roots. Additionally, the retention of water within the soil for extended periods may contribute to the emergence of root rot if not managed effectively.

Should I remove brown leaves from Staghorn Fern?

Staghorn Ferns, also known as rainforest ferns, are native to tropical and temperate areas of Australia, Africa, and South East Asia. They grow up to around 1. 8 meters in their native environment and around 1 meter in indoors over time. They require bright, filtered light and can be watered by submerging the plant pot in water or leaving it outside in the rain.

Hydrodynamics are crucial for healthy growth, with moderate-high humidity and fine misting being ideal. The Staghorn Fern thrives in temperatures between 16-25°C, but avoid draughts and sudden drops below 12°C. Their small fibrous roots grow well in an equal mixture of peat moss, sphagnum moss, and bark, often mounted on a board with their root system wrapped in the potting mix.

Fertilizer is not necessary as the plant absorbs moisture and nutrients through its fronds, so regular feeding isn’t necessary. However, mature plants can be fed once every six weeks during the growing season with Liquid Fertilizer. For an unconventional approach, place a banana peel between the stag and the potting medium or board.

Repotting is usually done in early Spring when the plant has had a period of active growth ahead. Mounting the plant on wood or hanging it on a wall is also possible. Pruning is not required, as shield or basal fronds that go brown with age are an integral part of the plant.

Propagation is most common when the plant matures, with multiple plants separated and potted or mounted individually.

How do I know if my Staghorn Fern needs water?

Staghorn ferns have green basal fronds that may become brown and wilted as they mature. These brown fronds are natural and should not be removed. They are essential for meeting water requirements for staghorn ferns. Growers should mist the basal fronds once a week, using spray bottles for small indoor plants and a gentle misting hose head for large outdoor plants. Watering should be done when the upright plants look slightly wilted. Black or gray spots are not normal and may indicate overwatering.

Overwatering may also cause fungal rot and disrupt spore production. Browning along the tips of the upright fronds is normal, as it is the fern’s spores. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.

What does an overwatered staghorn look like?

Overwatering can harm the Staghorn Fern, an epiphyte that grows along tree trunks in tropical environments. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant. Watch for brown or black spots at the base of antler fronds, which indicate overwatering. If overwatering occurs, reduce watering frequency and allow soil to dry. Overwatering can also lead to fungal infections. Remove affected leaves and allow soil to dry before rewatering.

Underwatering is a risk in warmer or sunnier environments, and brown spots or wilting leaves indicate insufficient water. Increase humidity by misting and running a humidifier, and water more frequently to compensate.

How do you keep a Staghorn Fern happy?

Staghorn Ferns thrive in bright, natural light but do not require direct sunlight. They grow under tree canopies, and an east, west, or south exposure is suitable. However, keep the fern at least 10 feet away from a hot window. If the light is too low, it will decline. In winter, move the fern to a brighter spot.

Maintaining the fern evenly moist but not soaking wet is crucial as they are epipyhtes and need to breathe. They are protected by plants growing above them, which take the moisture they need and drain off. Watering a Staghorn Fern every 7-10 days is recommended, but less in winter. If the fern is growing on wood, run water over it and let it drain out. They absorb water through leaf fronds, shield fronds, and roots, so ensure all parts are wet. Alternatively, turn the fern face down and soak it for 10 minutes.

How do you revive a dying Staghorn Fern?

To start a fern’s recovery, improve air circulation, reduce moisture, and avoid overwatering. If necessary, use fungicides as a last resort. Prune affected areas and sanitize tools post-surgery to prevent cross-contamination. Environmentally adjust by creating a less woodstock environment and more desert festival, reducing humidity and increasing airflow. These steps will help your fern recover and maintain a healthier plant life.

What does an overwatered Staghorn Fern look like?

Over-watering can lead to signs such as yellowing fronds, dry edges, and mushy roots in your Staghorn Fern. These symptoms indicate that the fern is thirsty or drowning in water. Over-watering can cause a squishy stress ball, while under-watering can cause wrooping fronds and browning tips. It’s crucial to monitor these signs to ensure proper watering and avoid over- or under-watering. Over-watering can cause the fern to feel sad, while under-watering can cause the fern to feel unloved and droop.

How often should I water my Staghorn Fern indoors?

Staghorn ferns require proper watering due to their roots and fronds absorbing water. To prevent root rot, it is essential to choose a suitable planting container and soil. A good rule of thumb is to mist frequently, water once a week in the warm season, and once every few weeks in the cool season. Adjust the schedule as needed, and reduce watering and misting when the ferns are in humid environments.

If antler fronds turn brown or black at the base, they may be getting too much water, while fronds on the tips and wilting may indicate insufficient water. However, shield fronds will naturally turn brown as they age, and the undersides of antler fronds often have brown spores. A Moisture Meter can be helpful as a training tool until a watering schedule is established.

Lighting for Staghorn ferns is crucial, with bright, indirect light and good drainage. Avoid direct sun and place them in shady spots during the warm season. When temperatures drop below 60 degrees, bring them indoors for the cool season, with forecasts varying, ideally around 60 degrees.

Do staghorn ferns like coffee grounds?

The application of coffee grounds to staghorn ferns has been demonstrated to assist in maintaining the optimal pH balance within the soil. However, it is important to note that this practice may also present certain risks. For instance, the overfertilization resulting from the use of coffee grounds can lead to the development of nutrient imbalances and the burning of roots. Additionally, the retention of water within the soil for extended periods may contribute to the emergence of root rot if not managed effectively.