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Staghorn Fern Care
Platycerium
Basic Staghorn Fern Care
Staghorn Ferns are pretty unique houseplants as they grow mounted on plaques! Below you’ll find everything you need to know to care for a Staghorn Fern plant!
Medium Light
I prefer areas that aren't too bright or shady. Finding a balance is important.
Water Frequently
I like my soil to be moist so make sure to water me often.
High Humidity
I thrive in humid environments so please mist my leaves every so often.
Potting Soil
I need soil specifically for indoor plants as it retains the right amount of water.
Detailed Staghorn Fern Care Information
Whether you're looking to make sure your Staghorn Fern is in it's perfect conditions, or looking to see if one could work for your space. We've got you covered.
Keep your Staghorn Fern away from direct sunlight
Medium light levels are best for Staghorn Ferns. You will want to keep them away from direct light as their leaves can burn pretty easily.
Let the potting mix dry out
It’s really important that the potting mix has enough time to dry out between waterings or you’ll notice the fronds on your Staghorn Fern starting to turn brown/black.
Young Staghorn Ferns love warm temperatures
Young Staghorn Ferns need warmer temperatures to thrive so you’ll want to keep them away from drafty windows or doors as the cold outside air can damage the plant if they aren’t mature.
Staghorn Ferns need high humidity levels
One of the most important things when caring for a Staghorn Fern is to keep the humidity level high. Misting or buying a humidifier are the best ways to give it a bit of a boost!
Fertilise monthly in spring and summer
To promote new healthy growth we recommend fertilising your Staghorn Fern once a month during the warmer months of the year. Use a well balanced water-soluble fertiliser at less than the recommended strength to avoid fertiliser burn.
Propagate Staghorn Ferns through division
The easiest way to propagate a Staghorn Fern is through division of the mother plant. Make sure that each section includes at least one leaf and part of the root ball.
Staghorn Ferns are non-toxic
Another great thing about Staghorn Ferns is that they are safe for pets and humans!
About the Staghorn Fern
Named after its antler-like leaves, the Staghorn Fern can make an interesting houseplant to add to your collection. Once the leaves have started to grow long enough and the plant has matured, they can also be used as a hanging plant – making them a little more versatile and very unique!
They are an epiphytic plant, meaning that they normally grow on other plants. So once matured they should be mounted to a board or hung up to keep them happy and growing. Due to their slightly more complex watering and light requirements, we wouldn’t recommend them as a starter plant, but plant parents with some more experience should definitely give them a try!
Staghorn Fern Care Starter Kit
We've put together this great little starter kit that includes all of the equipment and information you'll need to take proper care of your Staghorn Fern.
Common Problems with your Staghorn Fern
Here are some common issues that you might run into. It's important to diagnose any issues early to give your plant the best chance of bouncing back.
If you notice your Staghorn Fern turning brown/black and soft then this indicates your plant has been overwatered. Cut back on how often you water your Staghorn Fern, making sure the potting mix has dried out before watering again.
If the leaves are brown but dry and crispy then this is just part of the natural cycle of the Staghorn Fern, nothing to worry about!
Simple Staghorn Fern Care Requirements
It sometimes helps to take caring for your plants back to the basics, here's the key considerations that you should take into account when caring for your Platycerium.
These simple points should give you all you need to keep your plant happy and healthy for years to come.
| Common Name | Staghorn Fern |
| Latin Name | Platycerium |
| Light | Medium Light |
| Water | Water Frequently |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
| Soil Type | Potting Soil |
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Related Plants
Here are some other plants that will work in similar conditions, or have some matching qualities.
