It’s a fact: staghorn ferns are stunning. When put on a board, wrapped in old burlap, and hung on the wall, these plants are real works of art.
There are dozens of species of staghorn ferns, and until recently, they were quite rare. Now, though, because the species Platycerium bifurcatum is native to Australia and is easy to care for and grow, they are becoming more and more popular as houseplants.
A lot of people who come to our nursery are scared of taking care of staghorn ferns, and we’ll be the first to say that these plants are picky. Prior to discussing the best ways to take care of staghorn ferns, it is important to understand how these beautiful epiphytic plants grow.
With their dramatic antler-like fronds, staghorn ferns are a popular choice to add a tropical vibe indoors. But these epiphytic plants can develop problems with the most common being brown, crispy leaves. If your staghorn fern fronds are drying up, don’t despair! With some troubleshooting and adjusted care you can get your plant thriving again.
Why Do Staghorn Fern Leaves Turn Brown?
There are a few key reasons staghorn fern leaves may turn brown and crispy:
Overwatering
Too much moisture is the leading cause of brown fronds on staghorn ferns. These epiphytes are accustomed to drying out between rainfalls in their natural habitat. If the root mass stays soggy, it suffocates and cannot absorb nutrients properly. Always allow the potting mix to partly dry out before watering again.
Underwatering
While overwatering is more common, underwatering can also cause fronds to dry and brown. Check that you are watering adequately to moisten the root mass but not saturating it Brown tips are a sign the plant needs more frequent watering
Low Humidity
Native to tropical forests, staghorn ferns need consistent humidity around 50-60% to thrive. In dry indoor air, their fronds lose moisture faster than the roots can take it up, causing browning leaf edges and tips.
Sun Exposure
Too much hot, direct sun will scorch staghorn fern fronds, drying them out. Keep these plants in bright, indirect light instead. Some sun early morning or late afternoon is fine, but avoid mid-day rays.
Drafts
Exposure to cold drafts from doors, windows, or air vents can shock staghorn ferns and cause browning. Keep them away from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Natural Leaf Lifecycle
As old fronds age and die back naturally, they will turn brown. This is normal, as long as the browning is limited to the oldest leaves and new growth continues. Remove any fully browned fronds.
Pests
Insect infestations from aphids, mealybugs, or scale can injure fronds and cause browning damage. Check for any signs of pests on the undersides of leaves. Treat infestations promptly with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays.
How to Fix and Prevent Brown Leaves on Staghorn Ferns
If your staghorn fern is developing brown, crispy fronds, here are some tips to rehab it:
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Cut off any completely dead or damaged fronds to improve appearance.
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Water only when the top 1-2 inches of potting mix are partly dry. Never allow it to dry out completely.
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Provide a humid environment by misting often or using a pebble tray.
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Move to a location with bright, indirect sunlight and shade from hot afternoon sun.
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Keep away from heating and AC vents that may blast cold or hot air on it.
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Inspect closely for pests and treat any found immediately.
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Repot in an orchid mix annually to refresh the roots and prevent rot.
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Slowly acclimate plants before moving to a new location with different lighting or humidity.
With attention to proper watering, humidity, light levels, temperatures, and pest prevention, you can help your staghorn fern regain its health and prevent future issues with browning fronds. Some key care tips include:
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Choose an orchid potting mix that drains well. Add perlite for extra aeration.
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Allow to dry out slightly between waterings but don’t let it totally dry.
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Mist often and place on a humidity tray to provide needed humidity.
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Keep away from hot direct sun which will scorch the fronds.
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Avoid moving plants to new rooms with very different conditions.
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Apply insecticidal soap immediately at first signs of pests.
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Repot annually in fresh orchid mix to prevent fungal rot issues.
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Remove dead fronds promptly to maintain an attractive appearance.
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Fertilize monthly in the growing season with a balanced houseplant food.
With the right care adjustments and troubleshooting, your staghorn fern can bounce back from brown, crispy fronds to regain its lush, cascading beauty. Be vigilant about avoiding overwatering, provide steady humidity, and give it bright indirect light. Then you can enjoy its exotic, sculptural presence for years to come.
How to Water a Staghorn Fern
Your watering regimen consists of two processes: misting and soaking.
- Use a spray bottle that gives off a fine mist, like a brass mister.
- You should mist the whole plant, but pay special attention to the underside of the antler and shield fronds.
- Soak your staghorn fern in water in a sink or basin for five minutes, or until the roots are completely wet.
- You could also put the plaque in a sink or shower and run room-temperature water over the root ball until it is completely wet.
- Allow your plant to drip dry before re-hanging.
How Often to Water a Staghorn Fern
Under and over-watering are the most common causes of staghorn fern failure. No set rule says how often you should water a staghorn fern. The amount of light, humidity, and heat in your home will determine how often you should water it. However, here are a few rules that tend to work well for us:
- If it’s dry and hot outside, water your plants once a week. If it’s cooler, water them every one to two weeks. Start with this schedule and make changes as needed based on your space.
- Staghorn ferns get water from both their roots and their fronds. In other words, they like misting and do well in humid places.
- More humidity = less watering. That being said, if your staghorn fern is in a room with a lot of humidity, like a bathroom, you may not need to mist or water it as much.
- More light or heat = more watering. During the summer, be especially attentive to your stag. Some species can handle a little drought, even if it makes them wilt, but not much more than that. During the summer and fall, mist your plant often and make sure the moss at the base of the plant isn’t getting too dry.
- Less light or heat = less watering. Remember that these plants don’t tolerate overwatering. It’s likely that you’ll need to water less in the winter. But remember that if you put your plant right next to a fireplace or over a heating duct, it will dry out faster.
- If the base of the antler fronds turns brown or black, it means you gave it too much water. Cut back on watering to once a month until the plant shows signs of getting better.
- The antler fronds are not getting enough water if the tips turn brown or wilt. Increase watering as needed.
Plant Care- Why do Staghorn Fern Fertile Frond turns Brown? -EP 57
FAQ
Should I remove brown leaves from Staghorn Fern?
What does an overwatered Staghorn Fern look like?
How often should staghorn ferns be watered?
Why do staghorn ferns turn brown?
The phenomenon is a natural part of the plant’s lifecycle and not a sign of impending doom. In fact, brown fronds on staghorn ferns simply indicate that the fronds have reached the end of their useful life. As the leaves age, browning will take place, and the spent ones will die, making way for new growth.
Why is my staghorn fern dying?
This article will address any concerns you may have about your plant and get into how you can deal with any issues affecting your plant. There are lots of signs in which you can tell your staghorn fern is dying, one of which is due to the fronds beginning to brown or blacken, the cause of this is overwatering.
How do you know if a staghorn fern is dry?
Underwatering. Curling up their leaves is the best way for plants to retain as much moisture as possible and this is often one of the earlier signs of dry potting mix. Inspect the soil and give your Staghorn Fern plenty of water over the next few days and you should see the leaves uncurl.
Why is my staghorn fern turning yellow?
Overwatering. If you notice that your Staghorn Fern is developing yellow patches on its leaves, the problem may be too much water. The reason why overwatering is so dangerous for a Staghorn Fern is that it can very quickly lead to root rot without you even noticing before the issue has progressed far enough to cause yellow foliage.
