Hello and welcome to Brainy Gardener! In this video I'm going to show you how to take care of your staghorn fern. This plant is really popular right now because it's easy to care for and looks great in any home or office. So if you're looking for a new plant to add to your collection, then keep watching.
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Staghorn Fern (Platycerium Bifurcatum) Growing Tips
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Video Timestamps
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0:00 - Introduction
1:02 - Light and Location
1:32 - Watering
1:57 - Temperature
2:13 - Humidity
2:30 - Fertilization
2:48 - Propagation
3:36 - Mounting
4:09 - Toxicity and Common Pests
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Summary
Staghorn Ferns are tropical epiphytes native to Asia and Australia. The term “Staghorn” came about because they look like deer antlers formed from green-grey leaves, so it’s no surprise that people sometimes call them “Elkhorn Ferns” or “Common Staghorn Fern.” Staghorn Ferns grow on trees or rocks, attaching themselves with small root-like structures called rhizomes.
1. Light and Location
Staghorn Ferns need bright, indirect light to grow well. Avoid harsh sunlight, which can cause the leaves to turn brown, but dappled sunlight is perfectly fine. Staghorn ferns appreciate locations where they can get constant, filtered light. Having said that, if provided enough water, heat, and humidity, they can withstand greater sunlight.
2. Watering
When mounted, allow the compost to dry out between watering. Don’t overwater as these plants can get root rot quickly. To water your fern quickly and easily, take it down from the wall or wherever it is hung and immerse it in a sink of water for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the roots are completely wet.
3. Temperature
Staghorn Ferns are tropical and subtropical plants. The ideal temperature is between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike most other species in the Platycerium genus, these ferns can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. But don’t let the temperature stay this low if you want to keep your plant happy and healthy.
4. Humidity
The humidity should also be around 80% or more if you want your staghorn to survive. Since they are epiphytes, they require high humidity, which can be hard to provide in some areas. Depending on your location, you’ll want to mist the fronds daily or use a humidifier to keep ambient moisture levels high.
5. Fertilization
The fertilizer requirements for these ferns are relatively low. A simple 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer will work well. Apply the fertilizer at least once a month in the growing season and bi-monthly in the winter season. Mature plants need less fertilizer than younger ferns.
6. Propagation
Staghorn Ferns can be propagated by spore or division. Propagation via spores is an arduous and time-consuming process with little chance for success. Therefore, it is not recommended to try out this method unless you’ve got a lot of time on your hands and don’t mind failed attempts. Large, mature plants can be readily separated into smaller plants.
7. Mounting
Staghorn Ferns are usually mounted on wooden slabs or wire baskets. The support needs to be secured to the wall and have enough strength to hold the fern in place. Aesthetically, large pieces of wood are the most pleasing, but for convenience, wire baskets are the best. Either way, you need to secure a handful of rich organic matter to the support to begin the mounting process. Use rich peat-based compost for the best results.
8. Toxicity and Common Pests
Staghorn Ferns are non-toxic to humans and animals. If you’re mounting your fern up on the wall, there’s little chance of it coming in contact with anyone. These Ferns are susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Both these insects suck the sap from the plant. To deal with an infestation, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them away.
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