What is the difference between Elkhorn Fern and staghorn fern?
The difference between these two plants is the elkhorn (Platycerium bifurcatum) has thinner, wispier leaves and multiple “eyes” or rosettes of foliage whereas the staghorn (Platycerium superbum – pronounced with the emphasis on the middle syllable) has a single eye and larger leaves.
Do Staghorns like sun or shade?
The key is to expose the fern to lots of light, but to keep it out of the direct rays of the sun. A staghorn fern in full sun will get scorched. On the other hand, growing staghorn ferns in shade that is too dense will slow their growth considerably and encourage the growth of fungus and disease.
Are bananas good for Staghorns?
Growing Banana Fed Staghorns: How To Use Bananas To Feed A Staghorn Fern. In the case of at least one plant, the staghorn fern, adding whole banana peels is just as effective as composting them first. You can “feed” a whole peel or even a whole banana to the plant by placing it on top of the plant, among its fronds.
What is the best fertilizer for Staghorns?
A: You can use organic fertilizers such as diluted fish emulsion, applied every two to three weeks in spring and summer, if ferns are in containers, or monthly if grown in the garden. Kelp also is good. Or you can use small amounts of a balanced fertilizer such as an 8-8-8.
Do staghorn ferns need a lot of water?
A good rule of thumb is to water once per week in dry, hot times of year, and once every two to three weeks during cooler months. Start with this schedule, and adjust as necessary depending on your space. Staghorn ferns absorb water through their fronds, as well as their roots.
How do you bring a staghorn fern back to life?
Add a small amount of a slow-release fertilizer, such as Osmocote or Nutricote, into the hole as you add the moss or compost. This will provide nutrients and encourage growth. I always summer my staghorn ferns outside, and water them every few days.
What is wrong with my staghorn fern?
Problems. Staghorn ferns are fairly pest free. When kept too wet, they are susceptible to a disease called Rhizoctonia sp. This fungus produces black spots on the basal fronds which can spread rapidly, invade the growing point, and kill the plant.
Do staghorn ferns need sun?
Growing Staghorn Ferns Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, which means they are air plants. They gladly grow on a wall mount, which lets air circulate around them. They need good-quality light, even some direct sunlight. They need some drying of the soil or medium in between watering.
When should I repot my staghorn fern?
When to repot a staghorn fern is a common question to many but an easy one to answer. Staghorn ferns are happiest when they’re slightly crowded and should only be repotted when they’re nearly busting at the seams – usually once every few years. Staghorn fern repotting is best done in spring.
Is staghorn fern toxic to dogs?
Staghorn Fern Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp) which are non-toxic to both cat and dog pets, are easy to grow if you provide them the right living conditions.
Do staghorn ferns grow fast?
The growth rate of staghorn ferns depends on the species and the culture, but none grows very fast or becomes enormous. The most popular species, big staghorn (Platycerium bifurcatum), is said to be easiest to grow and its fronds can, over time, get to 6 feet long.
Do Staghorns kill trees?
It is not a good idea to mount staghorns or elkhorns on living trees unless they are mounted on a board first, otherwise they will moisten the bark, causing fungus decay and insect damage to the tree.
Where do Staghorns grow best?
In fact, whether grown indoors or outside, provide moderate moisture and a humus-rich medium when growing staghorn ferns. Outdoor plants should be located in partial shade or low light conditions for the best growth, while indoor plants need bright indirect light.