Mokkie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsWhy Grow a Staghorn Fern Indoors?
Looking for a houseplant that’s both exotic and surprisingly easy to maintain?
Staghorn fern care indoors is all about recreating the conditions these epiphytic ferns love in nature: bright, indirect light, steady humidity, and consistent watering.
With the right setup, your staghorn fern won’t just survive; it will flourish as a dramatic, antler-like centerpiece in your home. Here’s how:
- Staghorn ferns thrive in bright, indirect light and humid conditions.
- Water them regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and maintain a temperature range of 60-90°F.
- They can be grown in pots with sphagnum moss, orchid mix, or a mix of coco coir and perlite.
- Mounting them on a board or log allows them to grow naturally.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength during the growing season.
We’ll discuss what you need to know about Staghorn Fern care indoors so that it remains healthy and happy. Read on for more information!
What Is a Staghorn Fern?
BubbleBlooms Staghorn Fern Plaque, Elkhorn Fern on Cedar Wood Sculpture, Mounted with Moss
Staghorn Ferns are a type of epiphytic fern that grows on the trunks or branches of trees.
The plant gets its name from its distinctively shaped leaves, which resemble the antlers of a stag.
Staghorn Ferns are native to tropical regions around the world and are popular houseplants.
Staghorn Ferns are easy to care for and make a unique addition to any home.
These fascinating plants are relatively low maintenance, but there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for them. Here are some tips for Staghorn Fern Care Indoors.
Staghorn Fern Care Indoors In A Nutshell
These are great houseplants. You can grow them in a regular pot but many people mount them on a board and hang them on a wall.
Better-Gro Staghorn Fern in 6″ Wood Basket with 20″ Wire Hanger
It’s really not that weird when you consider these plants normally grow on trees.
Staghorn Fern Plant Care Reference Guide
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Staghorn Fern |
| Botanical Name | Platycerium bifurcatum (and related species) |
| Native Habitat | Tropical rainforests of Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America |
| Plant Type | Epiphytic fern |
| Growth Pattern | Antler-like fronds; often mounted on boards, logs, or grown in baskets |
| Mature Size | Up to 2–3 feet across indoors |
| Watering | Weekly; keep medium moist but not soggy |
| Light/Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun |
| Soil Type | Sphagnum moss, orchid bark mix, or coco coir with perlite |
| Soil pH | Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0) |
| Temperature | 60–90°F (avoid below 50°F) |
| Humidity | High humidity preferred (60%+); mist or use pebble tray |
| Bloom Time & Flower Color | Non-flowering fern; reproduces via spores |
| Potential Problems | Root rot from overwatering, leaf scorch from direct sun, mealybugs or scale |
| Repotting | Rarely repotted; usually mounted or grown in baskets instead |
| Hardiness Zones (USDA) | Zones 9–12 (commonly grown indoors elsewhere) |
Staghorn Fern Care Indoors
Staghorn Fern Light
Staghorn Ferns prefer bright, indirect light. If you can provide them with a spot near an east window, they will be very happy.
However, avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Staghorn Fern Watering
Water your Staghorn Fern regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
These plants like to have their roots in moist conditions, so be sure to water them thoroughly.
In general, you should water your fern about once a week.
Staghorn Fern Humidity
The Staghorn Fern is a unique plant that is most often found in tropical regions. Its name comes from its distinctive antler-like leaves.
The Staghorn Fern is an epiphyte, meaning that it grows on other plants or objects instead of in the ground.
In its natural habitat, the Staghorn Fern typically grows on trees, where it is able to receive the high levels of humidity and moisture that it needs to thrive.
If you are interested in growing a Staghorn Fern of your own, it is important to create a humid environment for your plant.
One way to do this is to place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. The evaporation from the water will help to increase the humidity around the fern.
Additionally, you could mist the leaves of the plant regularly with distilled water.
Staghorn Fern Temperature
Most Staghorn Ferns do well in a range of 60-90°. Although there are a few species that can take some cold like P. bifurcatum and P. veitchii.
I would not let the temperature drop below 50° because it can be hard to identify the different species as many are just sold by their common name.
Staghorn Fern Soil
Staghorn Ferns are typically sold in pots when young. They are typically in sphagnum moss or an orchid mix.
Because these plants get large they are often mounted on a board or a log. They are hung on a wall and allowed to cascade down.
This method replicates the way they grow naturally. They are taken down periodically to be watered.
But you can also grow them in a pot if you wish or as a hanging basket. I would use sphagnum moss or an orchid mix.
They can also be grown with coco coir and perlite as a mix and possibly some orchid bark.
Mounting Staghorn Fern
If you have a young Staghorn Fern it is most likely in a pot. These plants can get quite large (2-3 feet across) as they mature.
While you can keep potting it up many people grow this plant mounted on a board or log which is hung up on a wall. Here is a video showing you how to mount a Staghorn Fern.
Fertilizing Staghorn Fern
Feed your Staghorn Fern with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer like 10-10-10 every month during the growing season.
Use it at half-strength. Be careful not to overfertilize because it is easy to burn the roots of an epiphyte with too much.
This will promote vigorous growth but you can get by with a couple of feedings a year.
You can reduce the frequency of fertilization to every other month during the winter.
Staghorn Fern Propagation
Staghorn Fern is a true fern even though it may look a bit different. All ferns propagate from spores and don’t make seeds.
Generally because propagating from spores is a slow process these plants are propagated by division.
These plants will produce pups that can be carefully removed and potted up in a suitable growing medium.
Growing ferns from spores is very complicated, takes a long time, and is generally too advanced for most home gardeners.
If you’re interested in propagating staghorns from spores, simply wait until the plant produces new fronds (this generally happens once or twice a year).
When the fronds turn brown and begin to fall off, carefully remove them from the plant and place them on a sheet of paper.
Once they’re thoroughly dry, they can be stored in an envelope or container until you’re ready to plant them.
When planting staghorn spores, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly until new growth appears.
Staghorn Fern Pruning
There really isn’t much pruning to do with a Staghorn Fern.
To prune your Staghorn Fern simply remove any dead or dying leaves.
This will help keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth.
Is Staghorn Fern Toxic?
Staghorn Ferns are not toxic to cats, dogs or humans. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/common-staghorn-fern
Staghorn Fern FAQS
Indoor gardening enthusiasts often find the Staghorn Fern to be a captivating addition to their plant collection.
Its antler-like fronds add a touch of exotic charm while its epiphytic nature allows for a variety of planting methods.
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding staghorn fern care indoors to further assist you in your gardening journey.
Q. How often should I water my staghorn fern?
A. Water your staghorn fern about once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
The frequency may need to be adjusted based on the humidity and temperature of your indoor environment.
Q. What type of soil is best for staghorn ferns?
A. Staghorn ferns do well in sphagnum moss, orchid mix, or a combination of coco coir and perlite.
These soil mixes provide the aeration and moisture retention needed for healthy growth.
Q. Can staghorn ferns be grown in regular pots?
A. Yes, staghorn ferns can be grown in regular pots, hanging baskets, or mounted on boards or logs, which mimic their natural growth on tree trunks and branches.
Q. How do I propagate a staghorn fern?
A. Propagate staghorn ferns by division, separating the pups that grow from the parent plant and potting them up in a suitable growing medium.
While they can also be propagated from spores, this method is more complex and time-consuming.
These Q&A snippets serve as a quick guide to ensure your staghorn fern remains a vibrant and unique centerpiece in your indoor garden.
By understanding the basic needs and preferences of this tropical fern, you’re well on your way to enjoying its lush, green foliage for years to come.
Staghorn Fern Care Indoors: Final Thoughts
With proper care, Staghorn Ferns make a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any indoor space.
These fascinating plants are relatively low maintenance, but there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for them.
By following the tips above, you can ensure that your Staghorn Fern thrives for many years to come.
Here is a link to a complete guide on growing Staghorn Ferns. Everything you need to know is here including instructions to mount them http://www.tfeps.org/staghorn-ferns.htm
🌿 Indoor Fern Growing Guides
Want to fill your home with lush, vibrant greenery? These expert indoor fern guides will help you grow everything from Boston ferns to exotic Staghorns with ease!
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