Staghorn Fern Cold Hardiness How Cold Tolerant Are Staghorn Ferns

In general, staghorn ferns are hardy in zone 8 or above and considered to be cold tender or semi-tender plants and should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 F. (10 C.) for long periods. Some varieties of staghorn ferns can tolerate temperatures colder than this, while other varieties can't handle temps that low.

1. How cold can staghorn ferns tolerate?
2. Can staghorn ferns grow outside?
3. How do you care for a staghorn fern outside?
4. How do you grow Staghorn ferns outside?
5. Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?
6. Do staghorn ferns like banana peels?
7. How much is a staghorn fern worth?
8. Can staghorn ferns tolerate sun?
9. How quickly do staghorn ferns grow?
10. What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn ferns?
11. What is wrong with my staghorn fern?
12. How do you get rid of staghorn fern pups?
13. How do you take care of a staghorn fern in the winter?
14. Which way do you hang a staghorn fern?
15. What kind of wood do you use to mount a staghorn fern?
16. How do you save a dying staghorn fern?
17. Are staghorn ferns poisonous to dogs?
18. Can you feed bananas to staghorn ferns?
19. Should I mist my staghorn fern?
20. Can you trim a staghorn fern?

How cold can staghorn ferns tolerate?

Most staghorn ferns are considered tender or semi-tender to cold and will not tolerate cold temperatures. There are exceptions, such as P. bifurcatum and P. veitchii, which can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F (–1.1°C).

Can staghorn ferns grow outside?

Optimal staghorn fern outdoor conditions are a part shade to shady location with plenty of humidity and temperatures that stay between 60-80 degrees F. (16-27 C.). Although young staghorn ferns may be sold in pots with soil, they cannot survive very long like this, as their roots will quickly rot.

How do you care for a staghorn fern outside?

Be extra careful to keep staghorns out of direct sun and well-watered when hung outdoors. Bring your staghorn fern back inside when temperatures get chilly at night. Feed your staghorn fern monthly during periods of active grown (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (ratio of 1:1:1).

How do you grow Staghorn ferns outside?

Outdoor plants should be located in partial shade or low light conditions for the best growth, while indoor plants need bright indirect light. Staghorn ferns are usually grown mounted on a piece of wood or in a basket. They will need a little mound of peat, compost or other organic matter piled up under the plant.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?

Up-to-date gardeners know that California's low rainfall and alkaline soil are tough on acid-loving plants. Coffee grounds act as a mulch and soil improver. ... A few staghorn owners even advocate using the entire banana, placing it into the paper-like platycerium that supports the main plant.

Do staghorn ferns like banana peels?

ANSWER: Banana peels can contribute lots of potassium and a little phosphorus to the nutrient needs of your staghorn fern. But they contain very little nitrogen, which also is needed for good growth. So go ahead, toss a few banana peels among the foliage to slowly release their nutrients.

How much is a staghorn fern worth?

Originally attached to an oak tree as a small plant, this amazing fern has grown to over 6 feet in diameter, almost 4 feet tall and 3 feet deep. It is in great health and is in need of a home where it will be loved and appreciated. Similar ferns have sold for over $6,000.00.

Can staghorn ferns tolerate sun?

They can tolerate more direct sunlight when humidity and temperatures are high but also require more water when in direct light. Provide staghorn ferns with warm temperatures, plentiful moisture and excellent drainage for best results. These plants do best with normal household temperatures above 55ºF.

How quickly do staghorn ferns grow?

Naturally grown as epiphytes, staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) harmlessly cling to tree branches as they hang downward in the canopy's shade. These bushy evergreens grow slowly, up to 4 feet tall and wide over a period of 10 to 20 years.

What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn ferns?

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.

What is wrong with my staghorn fern?

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. If symptoms appear, withhold water and reduce the humidity to slow the spread.

How do you get rid of staghorn fern pups?

Wait until the pup is at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across. Find the spot under the brown shield fronds where the pup is attached and, with a sharp knife, cut the pup away with some roots attached. You can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern.

How do you take care of a staghorn fern in the winter?

Growing Staghorn Ferns in Winter

Keep the plant in a spot that receives bright but indirect light, and water less frequently than you did during the growing season, only once every few weeks.

Which way do you hang a staghorn fern?

A simple way to hang your fern from a board:

1. Decide which position of the plant will be the top.
2. Gently remove some of the soil from the root ball of the plant to create a flat base; keep more soil on the lower edge of the root ball so the plant will end up facing upward.

What kind of wood do you use to mount a staghorn fern?

Mounting Staghorn Ferns should be done on rot resistant wood like cedar. Because of the aggressive way that they are watered, and the fact that they are so closely connected to the wood, you need something that can last long term.

How do you save a dying staghorn fern?

It is normal for a few fronds to die and be replaced from time to time, but the fern is in need of water if a significant number of its fronds begin to die. It may be possible to save the plant by placing its root ball in water for several minutes, allowing the roots to rehydrate.

Are staghorn ferns poisonous to dogs?

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. Typically, these unique plants will be found mounted on a wall or draping from a hanging basket.

Can you feed bananas to staghorn ferns?

Growing Banana Fed Staghorns: How To Use Bananas To Feed A Staghorn Fern. ... 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.

Should I mist my staghorn fern?

Growers often thoroughly mist the basal fronds of staghorn ferns once a week. Spray bottles may be adequate for small indoor staghorn ferns, but large outdoor plants may need to be watered with a gentle, misting hose head. Staghorn ferns should be watered when the upright plants look slightly wilted.

Can you trim a staghorn fern?

You can trim dead and damaged foliage from the staghorn fern at any time of year. The plant doesn't require regular pruning, so there is no optimum time for a trim.