How to Care for Staghorn Plants

Staghorn plants are 18 species of ferns that generally grow on tree trunks, roots or rocks. They are non-parasitic plants, providing their own nutrients instead of taking them from the plants to which they are attached. In the tropical climates where they originate, the rains hydrate the ferns and wash nutrients to their roots. As tropical plants, most of the species will not withstand temperatures dropping below 55 degrees F, although some species can tolerate temperatures down to 30 degrees F. Caring for the staghorn plants is not difficult as long as you know how to create the right environment for the plants to thrive.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Mount the fern on a tree, wood or even just some sphagnum moss laid on the ground in partial shade. The staghorn fern will not grow on dirt, but needs to be attached to organic material, securing it using wire or nylon pantyhose.

2. Water the fern, allowing it to dry completely between waterings. In hot, dry weather this should be about once a week. In wetter weather, water as needed.

3. Fertilize the staghorns monthly during the growing season with a water-soluble complete fertilizer. When the ferns are mature, one or two applications of fertilizer a year are sufficient. Follow the directions on the package for safety and application instructions.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Staghorn Ferns at a Glance
• University of Florida: Staghorn Ferns for Florida