Info on a staghorn fern?

Question

I have a staghorn fern that has grown really big,right now it is in a planter with a peatmoss mat,but I would like to transfer it into a bigger area to grow,any suggestions on what I need to do to maintain it it's starting to get brown on the tips of the leaves. Thanks to all who can give me any info on this.

Answer 1

I'd check a few gardening sites first, but I'm pretty sure you can split the plant in half and make two out of it. Be sure to use vitamin B  to protect against shock, and give it a good shot of fertilizer.

Answer 2

Hi there, do you mist regularly? These plants need a lot of humidity. The brown tips are an indication that the air is too dry or it is receiving direct sunlight. Is the plant in a room where you have central heating?

Here are some tips for you

Light: Filtered sunlight is best. Avoid direct, hot sun. These plants often grow in trees where light is filtered by the leaves and branches of the tree.

Temperature: Best between 60ºF and 80º F. Winter temperature should not fall below 45º F.

Water: They like a humid atmosphere. Humidity should be applied indirectly (ie. spraying the air near the plant but not directly on the foliage). Spraying leaves directly can result in leaf spotting. Potted plants should be watered when the soil is dry. Take care not to over-water which can cause fungal rot and death. Watering can also be accomplished by dunking the plant and allowing the water to drain off.

Fertilizing: Very little is needed. Growth is slow. Plants grown on wood slabs can be fertilized by placing some decaying leaves behind the shield fronds. Sea kelp is a good organic fertilizer.

Repotting: Potting isn't necessary but can be done. Pot in orchid substrate mixed with sphagnum moss and a dash of charcoal to keep it fresh. Plants can also be mounted on wood slabs by the base of the plant using wire or plastic strips. They can also be hung in wooden or wire baskets.

Propagation: Through offsets that emerge from the base of the plant. Raising a plant from spores is a slow and difficult process and not recommended for the beginner.

Common Problems: Scale insects and fungal disease.

Special Hints: To grow on a piece of wood: Tap nails into a piece of wood in a pattern slightly larger than the base of your fern. Lay the plant in position between the nails with some pre-soaked sphagnum moss underneath. Tie some fishing line or wire to one nail, cross over the plant base, and tie to another nail. Repeat until the plant base is secured to the wood. Eventually the plant will grow over the supports, hiding them from view and further securing itself to the board.

Good luck