Staghorn Fern Care
Platycerium (staghorn fern)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | Soak when the shield and roots are nearly dry. About weekly in summer. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Mounted on a board with sphagnum, or very airy bark mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 15β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average to high. |
| πΎ Pets | Pet safe Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
| π± Care level | Moderate Pet safe |
| π Grows to | 30 cm to 1 m across. |
Staghorn ferns grow on trees in the wild, with antler-shaped fronds reaching out and round 'shield' fronds hugging their support. Mounted on a board or in a hanging basket, they're living wall art, and they're safe for pets.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light, near an east or west window or set back from a south window. Silver, fuzzy types like Platycerium veitchii handle a little more light. Direct hot sun scorches the fronds.
Watering
Water when the roots and shield fronds feel nearly dry and the antler fronds look slightly limp. Mounted ferns: soak the whole mount in a sink of water for 10β20 minutes, then let it drain. Potted ferns: water at the base. About weekly in summer, every 2β3 weeks in winter.
Soil + repotting
Mount on a board with a cushion of sphagnum moss, or grow in a very airy mix of bark and sphagnum in a basket or small pot. Never use regular dense soil.
Feeding + upkeep
Feed monthly from April to September at quarter strength. Don't remove the brown shield fronds at the base; they protect the roots and store nutrients. The fuzzy coating on the antler fronds helps them hold moisture, so don't wipe it off.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Brown, mushy base | Overwatering | Let it dry more between soaks. |
| Limp, wrinkled fronds | Thirsty | Soak the mount or water the base. |
| Brown shield fronds | Normal | Leave them; they protect the roots. |
| Pale, scorched fronds | Too much sun | Move to bright indirect light. |
| Black spots on fronds | Too wet with poor air flow | Water less often; improve air flow. |
Varieties we carry
We carry the classic staghorn and collectors' types like Platycerium veitchii. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Should I cut off the brown shield fronds?
No. They're supposed to brown and protect the roots.
How do I water a mounted staghorn?
Soak the whole mount in water for 10β20 minutes, then drain.
Is a staghorn fern safe for pets?
Yes. It's non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Can I mount it myself?
Yes. Bring it in and we can help you choose a board and sphagnum.
Staghorn Fern care kit
- Sphagnum Moss: For moss poles and rooting cuttings.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle seaweed feed for spring and summer.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
String of Turtles Β· Maidenhair Fern Β· Philodendron Birkin Β· Bird's Nest Fern Β· String of Hearts Β· Spider Plant Β· Jade Plant Β· Lucky Bamboo Β· All plant care β