What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Staghorn Fern

They Make Stunning Statement Pieces

Staghorn Ferns can thrive indoors or outdoors, and are particularly well-suited to grow outdoors in humid, warmer climates. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy one of these beauties in your home. Their jagged fronds make for stunning statement pieces in a variety of interior and outdoor spaces, especially when mounted.

Many plant collectors choose to mount their Staghorn Ferns, which creates a beautiful display reminiscent of moose or deer antlers in the home. This is how they got their common name, and they are also often referred to as Elkhorn Ferns. In ideal conditions, these gorgeous horticultural oddities can grow up to several feet tall and wide and create a massive, unique focal point in any room or patio.

Staghorn Ferns Need More Light Than Most Ferns

Many people think of ferns as a low-light houseplant, but remember that Staghorn Ferns uniquely require more sunlight than most ferns. Put your plant near a good light source, such as an east-facing window or near a skylight.

Another excellent placement option for the Staghorn Fern is the bathroom. When placed in a well-lit bathroom in an indirect sunny spot, with periodic humidity from the shower, you may find that your Staghorn Fern grows surprisingly quickly.

They Love a Humid Environment

Staghorn Ferns grow natively in tropical parts of Australia and other parts of Oceania, thriving in these warm, humid environments.

Unlike many other common houseplants, these plants absorb moisture and nutrients through their fronds. Both their basal fronds and their more prominent antler fronds are able to absorb water and nutrients, which makes them an ideal candidate for periodic misting between waterings. To keep your Staghorn Fern thriving, account for misting in your watering schedule and avoid overwatering your plant.

Indoors, Staghorn Ferns Need Fertilizer

Staghorn Ferns are hearty plants whose older, browning leaves serve as mulch-like nutrient preservers as they break down on the plant. In their tropical environments, they are able to absorb nutrients from the moist rainforest air to help them thrive, but this is not possible in the home. For that reason, a natural fertilizer is a prudent choice to keep your Staghorn Fern healthy and happy.

Like with most houseplants, use fertilizer conservatively and only during the plant's growing season. Staghorn Ferns enjoy monthly or bimonthly doses of diluted liquid fertilizer to prompt growth during the warm summer months. Some people report good results using another ingredient you may already have in your compost pile: banana peels. These potassium-rich resources can serve as a cheap and natural source of nutrients as they decay over time.

Understand Your Plant's Natural Habitat

A common problem that leads some people to struggle with Staghorn Fern care is underestimating the plant's light requirements. Most ferns grow at the ground level of the forest, and it's these darker, moist environments that we usually think of when we buy ferns. But the Staghorn Fern prefers significantly more light than other plants in the Polypodiaceae family, so make sure you have an indirectly sunny spot for this unique fern.

While relatively unfussy, Staghorn Ferns can be susceptible to common pests such as spider mites and scale. To treat this, simply do so as you would for any other houseplant, such as with neem oil or another natural pest deterrent. Avoid overwatering your plant to proactively prevent pests from turning your houseplant into their home.

You Should Eventually Mount Your Staghorn Fern

Once your Staghorn Fern is mature, it will require mounting to continue its growth. Young Staghorn Ferns can thrive wonderfully in a ceramic or terracotta pot with a chunky soil mix, but after a year or so, it will do best in an arrangement that takes its fascinating epiphytic habits into account, such as mounted on a wooden board, a piece of bark, or even in a kokedama (beautiful Japanese moss ball) arrangement. You can choose how to mount a Staghorn Fern based on your own style and preferences, and it's easy to do with supplies you likely already have around the house.

How to Mount a Staghorn Fern

To mount your plant, remove the root ball from its pot, remove some of the excess soil, and wrap it securely into some sheet moss or other organic substrate. Using twine, fishing line, or a combination of each, affix the plant onto your board or chosen mounting material. Some people choose to use nails and wrap the string around the nail heads, or wrap the plant directly. Either way, once your Staghorn Fern is established and settled onto its board or another source of support, its roots secure the plant in place.

Staghorn Ferns Are Safe for Children and Pets

Worried about furry friends or small humans getting into your plants? Staghorn Ferns are non-toxic, making them a great houseplant option for homes with cats, dogs, or young kids.

Staghorn Ferns Propagate Easily

Staghorn Ferns generate offshoot babies, which can be propagated into an organic substrate like moss or coco coir and eventually grown into a gorgeous, large Staghorn Fern.

They're Furry!

Ever wonder what makes the foliage so special on a Staghorn Fern? The velvet-like fronds of this plant actually have a purpose. The tiny, silvery hairs help protect them from insects and pests in the wild, and probably in your home too.