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What does the staghorn fern do?
Staghorn ferns produce spores as reproductive organs, which are borne on the edges of the lobed, antler-type fronds. They do not get flowers and they are generally not rooted in soil.
Why do people mount staghorn ferns?
When mounted and hung on a wall, the Staghorn Fern becomes more of a living sculpture than a houseplant. Staghorns get their nutrients from decomposing leaf debris, dead insects, as well as bird guano, which are absorbed through their fronds. The basal frond is the shield that grows around the base of the plant.
Are staghorn ferns rare?
There are dozens of species of staghorn ferns, and until recently, they were quite rare. Now though–thanks to species native to Australia, Platycerium bifurcatum, that is relatively easy to care for and propagate–they’re increasingly popular house plants.
Is a staghorn fern really a fern?
Staghorn ferns are a group of about 18 species of epiphytic ferns in the genus Platycerium of the polypod family (Polypodiaceae) native primarily to Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia, whose fronds supposedly resemble the forked antlers of male deer or elk. A large hanging staghorn fern in a Florida landscape.
How cold can staghorn ferns tolerate?
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).
What is the difference between Elkhorn Fern and staghorn fern?
The easiest way to distinguish between the two types of fern is that elkhorns have many plants growing together in communities and they have smaller, slender fronds. Whereas staghorns tend to grow as larger individuals. The fertile fronds have brown, rusty tips underneath, which is where they produce their spores.
Can you plant a staghorn fern in soil?
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.
Does staghorn fern need sun?
Growing Staghorn Ferns Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, which means they are air plants. They gladly grow on a wall mount, which lets air circulate around them. They need good-quality light, even some direct sunlight. They need some drying of the soil or medium in between watering.
Can you over water staghorn fern?
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. Overwatering can also lead to fungal infections that appear as black spots on your Staghorn’s fronds.
How much does a large staghorn fern cost?
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What type of staghorn do I have?
One of the keys to identifying platycerium species is in the shape and location of the spore patches. Some are located on the tips, some in the middle of the frond, and others on lobes. Some have two spore patches, others only one spore patch. Most growers tend to over water staghorn ferns.
How much light does a staghorn fern need?
Staghorn ferns need lots of bright but indirect or diffused sunlight. This is best achieved by placing them next to the brightest window in the house. All directions are fine, but west-facing windows might expose the fern to too much direct afternoon sun.
What diseases do staghorn ferns get?
Staghorn ferns (Platycerium species) are exotic, elegant and relatively disease-free. Common problems are overwatering, watering with softened water, and placing them in direct sunlight. They are susceptible to spider mites, wet rot and some other common plant diseases.
How do you take care of a potted staghorn fern?
Caring for Staghorn Fern in a Wire Basket or Pot Staghorn ferns prefer partial shade or indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which is too intense. On the other hand, staghorn ferns in too much shade tend to grow slowly and are more likely to develop problems with pests or disease.
What are black spots on staghorn fern?
Staghorn ferns are fairly pest free. When kept too wet, they are susceptible to a disease called Rhizoctonia sp. This fungus produces black spots on the basal fronds which can spread rapidly, invade the growing point, and kill the plant. If symptoms appear, withhold water and reduce the humidity to slow the spread.
Will ferns survive winter?
However, if you have chosen ferns suited to your zone, they will still survive the winter just fine. When fronds start dying back in the fall, cut them back. Ferns can be kept warm with a mulch covering for the winter months.
Do staghorn ferns like banana peels?
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.
How do you save a dying staghorn fern?
Here’s what I would suggest. Fill the hole with sphagnum peat moss (looks like fibrous, tan moss) or homemade compost. Add a small amount of a slow-release fertilizer, such as Osmocote or Nutricote, into the hole as you add the moss or compost. This will provide nutrients and encourage growth.
