Grow Antler-Like Fronds With Staghorn Ferns

Staghorn ferns are unique houseplants known for their antler-shaped fronds resembling a stag's horns. With proper care, these epiphytic ferns can thrive indoors, serving as living works of art. We'll cover their growing conditions and mounting, watering, fertilizing, and troubleshooting advice to help you cultivate lush, cascading fronds.

Native to tropical and subtropical forests, staghorn ferns are accustomed to warm, humid, and well-lit environments. By providing the right habitat, we can enjoy their unusual appearance as striking houseplants.

Staghorn Fern Basics

Staghorn ferns have fuzzy, leathery fronds covered in a downy layer of hair-like trichomes. These antler-shaped fronds unroll as they mature, extending upward and eventually arching downward in long cascades.

As epiphytes, staghorn ferns absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and rainfall. Thick aerial roots extend from the base, which the plants use to anchor onto the branches and trunks of trees and absorb supplemental nutrition.

There are over a dozen species and countless cultivars to choose from. Elkhorn ferns have flattened branches resembling elk antlers. Giant staghorn ferns can grow massive fronds up to six feet long!

Growing Conditions

Staghorn ferns thrive in warm environments between 60-80degF and require high humidity levels of 40-60% minimum to prevent leaf browning and curling. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, though some varieties tolerate a few hours of morning or late afternoon direct sun.

• Low Light - Insufficient light causes small, stunted growth.
• Temperature - Keep away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents.
• Humidity - Mist fronds daily or place on a pebble tray.

Mounting Staghorn Ferns

In nature, staghorns grow attached to trees in tropical rainforests rather than in soil. To recreate this environment at home, securely mount them onto pieces of water-retentive wood or tree fern fiber.

First, collect a rot-resistant wooden plaque, slab of tree fern fiber, cork, or driftwood slightly larger than the fern's root mass. Position the fern against the mount and use fishing line or orchid wire to gently tie down aerial roots and secure it in place. Over time, aerial roots will firmly adhere to the mount surface.

Watering and Fertilizing

As tropical plants, staghorn ferns need frequent watering in warmer months to maintain constant moisture. Allow the root zone to partially dry out before saturating with room temperature water. Reduce watering frequency in winter months.

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer according to package instructions. Flush the roots every few months to prevent salt buildup. Signs of stress like curling fronds indicate under or overwatering.

Repotting/Dividing

Repot staghorn ferns when the root mass overtakes its plaque. Carefully loosen and divide congested roots, trimming any damaged sections, then re-mount onto larger plaques. You can also divide and propagate by separating small plantlets from the frond tips.

Common Concerns

If the tips of fronds turn brown and crisp, the plant likely needs more regular misting and pebble tray use to increase humidity. Prevent yellowed fronds caused by excessive sunlight exposure by moving the plant to a shadier spot.

Drooping fronds often indicate underwatering. Check whether the roots and mount have fully dried out then soak the plant. Trim any dead fronds back to the base. With the proper habitat and care, staghorn ferns make dramatic living sculptures in our homes for years to come.

With striking sculptural shapes and cascading channels resembling antlers, staghorn ferns' unusual forms make artistic statements wherever displayed. As long-lived plants requiring relatively easy care compared to other exotic houseplants, staghorn ferns' resilient nature and lush fronds bring intrigue and liveliness indoors.

Place mounted staghorn ferns in indirect light locations where their dangling fronds can be appreciated. Mist plants daily, allowing the velvety green leaves to dry between waterings. By providing bright, humid environments, staghorn ferns reward us with their magnificent deer-like plumage for years on end.