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.
What’s wrong with my staghorn fern?
The most common issue is dry air; if your houseplant is near a heat source, air conditioner or draught. Inconsistent watering is another potential problem. Learn more on Watering Houseplants here. New Fronds are Small: If the fern fronds are continuously small, your plant might not be getting enough light or humidity.
Why is my staghorn fern turning brown?
If the antler fronds begin to brown or blacken at the base, this is a sign of over-watering. Reduce watering to once monthly until plant shows sign of recovery. If the antler fronds begin to brown at the tips or wilt, this is a sign of under-watering. Increase watering as needed.
How do you save a sick 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.
What does an overwatered staghorn fern look like? – Related Questions
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.
Should you remove dead leaves from staghorn?
Pruning. Unless there are damaged or dead foliar fronds, pruning is not a required part of typical staghorn fern care. Dead or dying leaves can be removed at any time. Use sharp, sterile precision shears to cut the entire leaf off at the base if it’s dead, or simply trim it back below the damaged tips.
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 fix a dying staghorn?
Soak the roots.
Soak a dehydrated fern’s roots in a bucket of warm water to help hydrate the plant. Change the water daily and continue the soaking process for a few days until the cut fronds show new growth. Once the new growth appears, remove the fern from the water, but continue to water it regularly.
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.
How do you treat staghorn fungus?
First, withhold water entirely and reduce the humidity around your plant. If that doesn’t make enough of a dent, try a general use fungicide. In the future, monitor the humidity and the plant’s watering, since excessive moisture is necessary for Rhizoctonia to survive.
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.
How do you keep a staghorn healthy?
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.
How often should you water a staghorn?
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 mist my staghorn fern?
Growers often thoroughly mist the basal fronds of staghorn ferns once a week. Spray bottles may be adequate for small indoor staghorn ferns, but large outdoor plants may need to be watered with a gentle, misting hose head. Staghorn ferns should be watered when the upright plants look slightly wilted.
Do staghorn ferns like sun or shade?
Staghorn Ferns Need More Light than Most Ferns
Many people think of ferns as a low-light houseplant, but remember that Staghorn Ferns uniquely require more sunlight than most ferns. Put your plant near a good light source, such as an east-facing window or near a skylight.
Can you leave staghorn on the ground?
No, because they are epiphytes, staghorn ferns do not naturally grow in soil and therefore do not need it. Instead of soil, use a loose, well-draining potting mix that contains a mixture of sphagnum moss, perlite, and bark, or something similar.
How long do staghorn ferns live for?
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.