Staghorn ferns, scientific name Platycerium, comprise 18 fern species of the family Polypodiaceae. They are also called elkhorn ferns and antelope ears, and they have uniquely shaped fronds with two types of leaves. They are epiphytic, which means they generally grow in trees. These unique ferns thrive in warm climates, but nevertheless are also prone to diseases that could leave them sickly and dying unless treated promptly.
How to save a dying staghorn fern
Cut back all the wilted or dead leaves.
To revive or save your dying staghorn fern, cut back all the wilted or dead leaves to allow for new growth. Do not cut below one inch, since plant parts need to be above the soil to grow.
Soak the roots.
Soak a dehydrated fern’s roots in a bucket of warm water to help hydrate the plant. Change the water daily and continue the soaking process for a few days until the cut fronds show new growth. Once the new growth appears, remove the fern from the water, but continue to water it regularly.
Fertilize the new growth.
Fertilize the new leaves and spread a bit of fertilizer over the top of the soil for the roots to soak up. Apply fertilizer every few days, or each time the soil dries up.
Maintenance is key.
Once the fern begins to thrive, make sure it does not wilt again. Water the fern regularly since these plants adore moisture, and keep it in medium light because ferns do not need too much natural light.
Reasons a staghorn fern may be dying
It could be due to incorrect watering.
Staghorn ferns thrive in humid environments, but constant wetness day and night is another thing entirely. If you overwater your ferns, they are likely to become droopy and soggy. Ideally, you should drench the ferns and then withhold water until they are completely dry again. The frequency of watering will depend on the growing conditions and whether the plant is indoors or outdoors. Stick a finger into the growing medium to check whether the fern needs to be watered.
There could be too little humidity.
Staghorn ferns cannot tolerate too much water directly on their roots, but they will also become sickly if their environment is too dry. Keep them where the humidity is high, such as a basement or a bathroom. You may also place them above a bowl of water or an aquarium where water is allowed to evaporate near the plants.
It could be due to sap-sucking insects.
If you notice yellow or brown spots on the fern’s fronds, it is likely due to scale insects or mealybugs. These insects suck and feed on the plant juices until the plants are weakened and infection starts to set in. Be sure to identify the kind of insects so that you can apply the appropriate insecticides.
Staghorn fern care tips
Staghorn ferns prefer natural light, but do not place them in locations where there is direct sun since the sun could burn the leaves. Place them in a warm spot where there is bright, indirect light or diffused light. If the leaves turn brown or pale, it means the ferns have been exposed to too much direct light. In this case, transfer them to a more shaded area.
Water the ferns at least once a week during the dry season and once every two to three weeks during colder weather. Adjust the watering schedule depending on the temperature, light and humidity of your home. If the antler fronds turn brown it may indicate overwatering, but if the brown area is only at the tips it may be the other way around – a lack of water. To avoid this, check the moss at the base of the fern regularly before watering the plants.
Keep the humidity at around 70 and 80 percent by misting the ferns often. You may also place them near a humidifier or a pebble tray. These plants prefer a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate colder temperatures but see to it that the temperature does not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilize the ferns monthly with a diluted, balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer seasons, and every other month during the fall and winter seasons. Follow the instructions for fertilizer application to avoid plant or fertilizer burn.
Pests like aphids, scale insects and mealybugs may invade staghorn ferns. To eradicate them, spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Fungal infections called black leaf spot or Rhizoctonia may also thrive on ferns. Prune off the affected parts and spray the plants with a mild fungicide.
Conclusion
Staghorn ferns are popular indoor plants since they add aesthetic value to homes, especially if placed on the walls. Like most plants, they are also prone to diseases and disorders brought about by factors like low humidity, incorrect watering or pest infestation. You can save your dying staghorn ferns by watering them correctly, fertilizing new growth and checking for pests and infections. Prune off the dead or wilted leaves and place the ferns where they can get indirect or medium sunlight.
Image: istockphoto.com / chaiyon021