How To Make Your Plants Happy: Staghorn Fern Care Guide

Drawing of staghorn fern

Light

This plant loves a location with bright, indirect light. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight as the leaves can easily burn. 

Water

The Staghorn Fern requires both watering and misting. Water every 1-2 weeks, once a week in warmer months and every 2 weeks in cooler months. Keep the plant evenly moist but not soaking, allow the top of the soil to dry between waterings. Mist the plant daily, especially in summer, focusing on the under-sides of the leaves. More humidity means less watering and more light or heat means more watering.       

Environment

This plant thrives in warm, humid environments and can tolerate temperatures of 55°F - 85°F. Avoid temperatures below 50°F and above 100°F. Ferns love humidity so place near other plants or in a more naturally humid room in your house, like a bathroom.       

Growth

The plant can grow fronds up to 2'-3' long indoors. Feed the plant once a month during in spring and summer when the fern is actively growing. Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter.       

Repotting

Consider mounting this plant on a piece of wood to closely resemble it's natural habitat. Staghorn fern repotting is best done in spring. Avoid repotting often as the plant prefers to be root bound, only repot once every few years.       

Propagating

The Stagorn Fern can be propagated through division. Divide a mature plant by gently removing a few leaves and some of the root ball. Keep the division in a warm and humid environment until it fully roots.     

Toxicity

This plant is non-toxic to pets.       

staghorn fern on a stool

About the Staghorn Fern

Botanical Name: Platycerium bifurcatum   

Nicknames: Staghorn Fern, Birds Nest Staghorn, Common Staghorn, Elkhorn Fern  

The Staghorn Fern is one of the more unique ferns you can find. It gets it's name from the long, antler-shaped leaves. The leaves are green and have a fuzzy texture which can grow up to 2' to 3' long. The unique part about the Staghorn Fern is that is actually does not need soil to grow, you can mount it on a piece of wood and it will thrive. These plants are a bit picky with their care and require proper light, water, and humidity. It is a great choice if you have pets since it is non-toxic.           

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