Potting A Staghorn Fern Growing Staghorn Ferns In Baskets

Growing Staghorn Fern in a Wire Basket To grow staghorn ferns in baskets, begin by lining the basket with at least an inch (2.5 cm.) of moistened sphagnum moss, then fill the basket with a very well drained potting mix, such as one containing a mixture of equal parts bark chips, sphagnum moss and regular potting mix.

How do you plant a staghorn fern in a basket?

Place your plant in the basket and gently bring the leaves of your plant through the edges of the basket. This allows the plant to grow out the side of the basket. Carefully pull some of the fronds through so the staghorn fern can grow in its natural upright position. Add more sphagnum moss on top of the roots.

Can staghorn ferns grow in pots?

Staghorn Ferns can be grown in a pot, in a wire basket as well as on a wire frame. They're commonly seen growing on a piece of wood, like a hunk of bark, driftwood or a tree branch. These epiphytes prefer to grow this way because it allows for maximum air circulation which is something they love.

Does a staghorn fern need soil?

Staghorn Ferns are not parasitic, because although they fix themselves onto trees, they do not take any nutrients from the trees or harm them in any way. Being an epiphyte means that Staghorn Ferns do not require soil to grow and instead can be grown at home on a variety of different growing mediums.

How do you transplant a staghorn fern?

You can use up to one-third regular potting mix, but never use garden soil. Remove the staghorn carefully from its container and move it to the new container as you gently spread the roots. Finish filling the pot with potting mix so the roots are completely covered but the stem and fronds are exposed.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?

Up-to-date gardeners know that California's low rainfall and alkaline soil are tough on acid-loving plants. Coffee grounds act as a mulch and soil improver. ... A few staghorn owners even advocate using the entire banana, placing it into the paper-like platycerium that supports the main plant.

Are banana peels good for staghorn ferns?

ANSWER: Banana peels can contribute lots of potassium and a little phosphorus to the nutrient needs of your staghorn fern. But they contain very little nitrogen, which also is needed for good growth. So go ahead, toss a few banana peels among the foliage to slowly release their nutrients.

Are staghorn ferns hard to care for?

There are dozens of species of staghorn ferns, and until recently, they were quite rare. Now though--thanks to species native to Australia, Platycerium bifurcatum, that is relatively easy to care for and propagate--they're increasingly popular house plants.

How quickly do staghorn ferns grow?

Naturally grown as epiphytes, staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) harmlessly cling to tree branches as they hang downward in the canopy's shade. These bushy evergreens grow slowly, up to 4 feet tall and wide over a period of 10 to 20 years.

Can staghorn ferns tolerate sun?

They can tolerate more direct sunlight when humidity and temperatures are high but also require more water when in direct light. Provide staghorn ferns with warm temperatures, plentiful moisture and excellent drainage for best results. These plants do best with normal household temperatures above 55ºF.

What is the difference between Elkhorn Fern and staghorn fern?

The difference between these two plants is the elkhorn (Platycerium bifurcatum) has thinner, wispier leaves and multiple “eyes” or rosettes of foliage whereas the staghorn (Platycerium superbum – pronounced with the emphasis on the middle syllable) has a single eye and larger leaves.

Are staghorn ferns easy to grow?

Growing staghorn ferns is easy. If they get low to medium light and moderate moisture, they will thrive. In fact, whether grown indoors or outside, provide moderate moisture and a humus rich medium when growing staghorn ferns. ... Staghorn ferns are usually grown mounted on a piece of wood or in a basket.

How do you get rid of staghorn fern pups?

Wait until the pup is at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across. Find the spot under the brown shield fronds where the pup is attached and, with a sharp knife, cut the pup away with some roots attached. You can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern.

How do you revive a dying staghorn fern?

It is normal for a few fronds to die and be replaced from time to time, but the fern is in need of water if a significant number of its fronds begin to die. It may be possible to save the plant by placing its root ball in water for several minutes, allowing the roots to rehydrate.

How do you secure a staghorn fern?

An easy example of how to mount a staghorn fern is to use a wire basket and the side of a tree. Secure the basket to the tree, with nails, for instance. Fill the bowl of the basket with the growing material. Position the fern inside this and secure it to the wire basket with ties.

Which way do you hang a staghorn fern?

A simple way to hang your fern from a board:

Decide which position of the plant will be the top.
Gently remove some of the soil from the root ball of the plant to create a flat base; keep more soil on the lower edge of the root ball so the plant will end up facing upward.

How much are staghorn ferns worth?

This is a beauty! Originally attached to an oak tree as a small plant, this amazing fern has grown to over 6 feet in diameter, almost 4 feet tall and 3 feet deep. It is in great health and is in need of a home where it will be loved and appreciated. Similar ferns have sold for over $6,000.00.

Are staghorn ferns poisonous to dogs?

Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp) which are non-toxic to both cat and dog pets, are easy to grow if you provide them the right living conditions. Typically, these unique plants will be found mounted on a wall or draping from a hanging basket.

Do ferns like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are highly acidic, they note, so they should be reserved for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries. ... And if your soil is already high in nitrogen, the extra boost from coffee grounds could stunt the growth of fruits and flowers.

Can you trim a staghorn fern?

You can trim dead and damaged foliage from the staghorn fern at any time of year. The plant doesn't require regular pruning, so there is no optimum time for a trim.

What kind of soil do staghorn ferns need?

To grow staghorn ferns in baskets, begin by lining the basket with at least an inch (2.5 cm.) of moistened sphagnum moss, then fill the basket with a very well drained potting mix, such as one containing a mixture of equal parts bark chips, sphagnum moss and regular potting mix.

What do you feed Staghorns and elkhorns?

They can be fed by placing organic matter such as leaf litter, banana skins or compost at the back of the plant (near where it meets the backing board) or watered with a very diluted dose of SeaMax Fish & Kelp. Elkhorns and staghorns may also benefit from watering during very hot, dry periods.