Staghorn Fern

The Staghorn Fern, or Elkhorn Fern, is the only Platycerium species common as a houseplant. These ferns grow naturally in Asia and Australia attached to other trees or woody structures, absorbing all their nutrients and moisture from the atmosphere. The medium-green fronds of Staghorn Fern are long and lobed like antlers, while the small, flat shield leaf protects the root structure underneath.

Best Locations For Growing Staghorn Fern

The Staghorn Fern is displayed best when attached vertically to wood or hung in an open-sided orchid basket. This epiphytic plant will tolerate lower humidity levels than other ferns but does need to be kept away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents. The dramatic form of the fronds is a great focal point for a massed houseplant display or single wall adornment.

Staghorn Fern Sunlight Requirements

Staghorn Fern grows as a lower-story plant in its native habitat in dappled sun. When growing as a houseplant, it prefers filtered sun from a window or indirect sunlight. East and southeast windows will provide enough light without burning the leaves.

Staghorn Fern Care

This is an epiphytic fern that prefers to grow on wood rather than in a pot of soil. The root ball must be wrapped in peat moss, coconut coir, or sphagnum moss and then attached to the mounting material. Pieces of bark, slabs of wood, or specialty orchid baskets make great mounting materials. Use a fishing line or wire to firmly hold the fern in place until it grows more leaves and begins to attach itself. Regular misting with water provides humidity, especially in the winter when central heating dries out the air.

Watering Staghorn Fern

Watering a Staghorn Fern is much different than watering most plants. The whole mounting material and plant should be soaked in a sink of water for 15-20 minutes once a week. This allows the fern and the mounting material to take up the moisture it needs. Allow the fern to dry for a couple of hours before hanging back in position. If the base of the fronds starts to turn black, this indicates that the Staghorn is overwatered. If the tips of the fronds turn brown and crispy, this indicates underwatering.

Feeding Staghorn Fern

Fertilize once a month during the spring and summer. Fertilizing is typically not required during the winter months when growth is slower. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted in the basin you use for watering. An NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is the recommended formula.