When black spots appear on the basal fronds and begin to spread toward the growing point, it’s time to act fast. This is the calling card of Rhizoctonia, a fungal pest of staghorn fern. If left untreated, the black spores will continue their march and kill the entire plant.
Underwatering. In warmer or sunnier environments, Staghorn Ferns typically need a little more water, and underwatering is a risk. Watch for brown spots at the tips of your fronds or wilting leaves, both of which indicate that your Staghorn is not receiving enough water.
What does an overwatered staghorn fern look like?
Staghorn Fern Problems. What is this? If the fronds are going black and it’s starting at the base, then it’s very likely a case of overwatering and some root rot has taken place. The fronds will easily pull away with a gentle tug, even if they look otherwise healthy.
What does fungus look like on a staghorn fern? – Related Questions
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.
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.
How do you tell if fern is overwatered?
Stunted slow growth accompanied by yellowing leaves is also a symptom. Leaves falling off often accompanies this symptom. If your plants have yellowing leaves and old leaves, as well as new leaves that are falling at the same accelerated rate, you are overwatering.
How do you tell if fern is over or Underwatered?
You can tell if your fern is under-watered if you notice reduced growth or wilting and/or shriveling of the leaves. Pay attention to the wilting leaves, as this could also mean that the plant is getting too much water. If the wilted leaves are turning yellow or falling off, then your Fern is being over watered.
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.
Do staghorn ferns like to dry out?
Staghorn ferns absorb water through their fronds as well as the roots so be sure to soak the basal fronds and the medium. Allow some drying of the growing medium in between waterings; staghorn ferns rot easily if overwatered. Rainwater is best if it is available.
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.
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.
Should you mist a staghorn fern?
We recommend misting your Staghorn Ferns as they heavily rely on moisture in the air. If you mist your plants, you should mist them at least three times a day for your fern to benefit.
How do you make a staghorn fern happy?
Staghorn ferns need bright, indirect or diffused light to thrive, though most species must be protected from the harsh rays of the direct sun. We tell people to put staghorn ferns in the brightest space in their home where, again, the plant will not take direct sun.
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.
How often do I 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.
What is the best fertilizer for staghorns?
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.
How do I know if my staghorn fern is dying?
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.
What is the lowest temperature a staghorn fern can tolerate?
Staghorn fern flourishes in warm, humid climates and should be protected from cold conditons. It’s generally considered a tender plant; most species can’t tolerate temperatures below 55°F. However, Platycerium bifurcatum and Platycerium veitchii can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F.
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.
