Staghorn Ferns
How to water, grow, and mount a Staghorn Fern
Though you can find young staghorn ferns sold in pots, mature plants need to be mounted to a board or hung in a hanging basket. Why? Because, like air plants, staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants, which means they grow on other plants or trees in their natural growing environments.
HOW MUCH LIGHT DOES A STAGHORN FERN NEED?
Staghorn ferns need bright, indirect or diffused light to thrive, though most species must be protected from the harsh rays of the direct sun. We tell people to put staghorn ferns in the brightest space in their home where, again, the plant will not take direct sun. Rooms with Southern and Eastern exposures tend to be best, though unobstructed North windows will do. Western light is fine, but be careful, as this afternoon exposure tends to be hot and harsh. We do not recommend putting your staghorn in a room without natural sun.
HOW MUCH WATER DOES YOUR FERN NEED?
Misting the fronds
- Use a spray-bottle that emits a fine, ambient mist, such as a brass mister.
- Mist the entire plant, focusing on the underside of the antler fronds and the shield fronds.
Watering the roots
- Soak your staghorn fern facedown in a sink or basin of water for about 5 minutes, or until the roots are fully saturated.
- Alternately, place the plaque in a sink or shower, and allow room-temperature water to run over the root ball until it is saturated. Allow your plant to drip dry before re-hanging.