Staghorn Fern
A fern that grows on a plank instead of in a pot, with antler-shaped fronds and a flat shield frond that hugs its mount. Pet-safe, strange, and much tougher than it looks once you learn to soak it.
The staghorn fern is an epiphyte, growing on tree trunks in the wild, which is why it is usually sold mounted on a board with a pad of moss. It has two kinds of frond: the flat brown shield that hugs the mount and protects the roots, and the green antlers that give it the name.
Do not remove the brown shield frond. It is supposed to be brown. Water the whole thing by soaking it, and it is a surprisingly easy plant.
Light
Bright indirect light. An east window, or a bright wall near a south one. It tolerates medium light with slower growth. Direct sun scorches the antlers.
Water
Once a week in summer, take the mount down and soak the root pad in a basin for ten to twenty minutes, then let it drain before rehanging. Every twelve days in winter. Between soaks, mist the fronds if the air is dry. The shield frond turning brown is normal; the antlers wilting means it is thirsty.
Soil and potting
None in the usual sense. Mount it on a board or in a wire basket with sphagnum moss around the root ball. Remount every three years or so, or when it outgrows the board, by fixing it to a larger one.
Feeding
A quarter-strength balanced feed in the soak water every eight weeks in spring and summer. The old trick of tucking a banana peel behind the shield does feed it potassium but also feeds fruit flies.
Propagation
Pups. Mature plants produce small offsets around the base; cut one away with a little of the shield and some roots and mount it on its own board with moss.
In a hot, dry home
Manageable here with weekly soaking and a spot away from vents. A bathroom wall is ideal. In the driest weeks, soak twice a week and mist the antlers. The fuzzy coating on the fronds is a water-saving adaptation; do not wipe it off.
Problems and fixes
Shield frond turning brown
Likely cause: Normal
Fix: Nothing. The shield browns as it matures and protects the roots. Never remove it.
Antler fronds wilting
Likely cause: Thirst
Fix: Soak the mount for twenty minutes.
Black spots at the base of the antlers
Likely cause: Rot from staying wet
Fix: Let it dry more between soaks and improve airflow.
Fuzzy white coating on fronds
Likely cause: Normal
Fix: Nothing. It is a natural coating that conserves water. Do not wipe it off.
Staghorn Fern questions
Is the staghorn fern safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. It is non-toxic to pets.
How do I water a staghorn fern?
Take the mount down and soak the root pad in water for ten to twenty minutes once a week in summer, every twelve days in winter, then let it drain and rehang it.
Should I remove the brown frond at the base?
No. The brown shield frond is part of the plant. It protects the roots and is supposed to be brown.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Boston Fern
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every few days
- Pets
- Safe
