Staghorn Fern

$14.99
Title

Staghorn Fern is a distinctive epiphytic fern with two types of fronds. Green, antler-shaped fertile fronds grow outward and upward, while rounded shield fronds develop at the base and help protect the roots and retain moisture. It is often mounted on wood or grown in hanging displays, making it an excellent statement plant.

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Details & Plant Care

Difficulty:

Moderate

Water:

NA

Humidity:

Higher humidity promotes healthy frond development, although established plants can adapt to somewhat lower household humidity when watering and air circulation are appropriate.

Pet Friendly:

Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Light:

Bright Indirect Light

Plant Information

Common Names:

Staghorn Fern

Scientific Name:

Platycerium spp.

Country Of Origin

Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific, depending on the species. Staghorn ferns naturally grow as epiphytes on trees rather than in conventional soil.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Soil Type:

Staghorn ferns are epiphytes and should not be planted in dense conventional potting soil. Use a loose, airy medium such as sphagnum moss, orchid bark and other coarse organic materials that provides excellent drainage and airflow around the roots.

Fertilize:

NA

Remember to only fertilize during their active growing season.

Common Pests

Scale Insects

Scale Insects

What To Look For: Small oval or round bumps on stems or leaves; they may look like part of the plant. Sticky residue/honeydew, sooty mold. Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and decline in plant vigour.

How To Treat: Physically scrape or wipe off scale insects when you see them; use your fingernail or a soft brush. Use horticultural/plant-safe oils or insecticidal soap when the crawler stage is active. Re-inspect regularly because scale eggs and crawlers can hide under shells.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs

What To Look For: White, cottony or waxy masses on stems, leaf axils, underside of leaves. Sticky honeydew, sooty mold growth, yellowing or dropping leaves.

How To Treat: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to dab and remove visible bugs. Wash leaves and stems with gentle soapy water. In heavy infestations, consider removing very affected stems/leaves or, in the worst case, replacing the plant.

Aphids

Aphids

What To Look For: Small soft-bodied insects (green, yellow, black or orange) usually congregating on new growth, stems or leaf undersides. Sticky residue (“honeydew”) on leaves or nearby surfaces, sometimes with sooty mold developing on it. Distorted or curling leaves, wilting, slow growth.

How To Treat: Isolate the infested plant to prevent spread. Blast with water to dislodge many adults, especially on newer growth. Use insecticidal soap, making sure to cover the leaf underside and new growth. Repeat treatments every 7 days or so until no new signs appear. (Since they reproduce quickly)

Spider Mites

Spider Mites

What To Look For: Very fine webbing under leaves or between stems and leaves (especially in dry indoor air). Leaves may appear stippled (tiny yellow or white dots) or dusty; they may turn yellow, brown or drop. When you tap a leaf onto white paper, you might see tiny moving specks. (Often too small to see easily)

How To Treat: Increase humidity around the plant (since mites thrive in dry air). Spray plant thoroughly (both sides of leaves) with insecticidal soap or a miticide/plant-safe oil; repeat every few days. In heavy infestations, consider removing severely affected sections; isolate the plant.