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.
How do you revive a dying staghorn fern?
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.
How often should you water a 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.
Should I remove brown leaves from staghorn fern? – Related Questions
Can I wipe the leaves of staghorn fern?
Cleaning a Staghorn Fern
Washing staghorn fern plants should be done carefully and should never involve wiping the fronds with a sponge or cloth. Take a close look at the plant and you’ll notice that the fronds are covered with a felt-like substance that helps the plant retain moisture.
What does a dying staghorn fern look like?
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.
How do you water a potted Staghorn Fern?
If your Staghorn Fern is in a pot like mine, you can water it with a watering can that has a long and narrow spout to reach the soil under the layers of basal fronds, or you can soak the pot in water for 10-20 minutes.
How do you water a hanging Staghorn Fern?
Do staghorn ferns do well indoors?
They do great outdoors in temperate climates but also make fine houseplants with a little effort. This is all about how to grow a Staghorn Fern indoors, even though are homes are nothing like the rainforest. Staghorn Ferns can be grown in a pot, in a wire basket as well as on a wire frame.
How do you care for a Staghorn Fern indoors?
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.
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.
Can staghorn ferns stay 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.
Do staghorn ferns like to be wet?
The staghorn fern is a typical jungle plant that does appreciate plenty of humidity. If your home has very dry air it might not be happy in there. Try placing the plant in one of the more humid areas of the house, like the bathroom, or run a humidifier to keep the moisture levels up.
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.
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 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.
Is Miracle Grow good for staghorn ferns?
Fern Fertilizer
Outdoor ferns can be fertilized in spring, preferably with a slow-release plant food such as Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed. If plants are divided or transplanted in the fall, there is no need to add fertilizer to the soil at the same time. Watch your ferns for signs of fronds turning brown along the edges.
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.
