Staghorn Fern: Plant Care & Growing GuideHow to mount and care for a staghorn fern - HOUSEPLANTHOUSEMounting a Staghorn Fern - Fifth Season Gardening Incredibly dry soil. there is hope for our staghoren fern. Staghorn ferns can also be grown in hanging baskets. Your staghorn ferns have two types of fronds: sterile, or immature, and fertile. Scrape spores off the bottom of a fern leaf. Cheat Sheet Above: Staghorn ferns are well-suited for bathrooms. When a staghorn fern plant is young, the basal fronds may be green. Spores are produced on the underside of the fertile fronds. Without seeing the light situation its hard to tell what the actual lighting is . Basal: these sterile fronds are round, flat and plate-like, shielding the base of the plant and acting as an anchor protecting the plant roots. Misting your staghorn fern. Emerging fertile fronds extend as uprights from their large shield fern support structure, but when weighted by maturity are carried gradually downwards with an outward flow. The immature fronds do not branch and form a shield or dome at the base of the plant. Staghorn Fern. Proper watering for Staghorn ferns. Propagating Staghorn Fern . If Staghorn is from a mother specimen, reach behind the plate, which is the sterile frond shield, and remove with some roots on the frond. The second type of staghorn fern frond is called the shield frond. Each fertile frond has one spore patch, oval to nearly triangular and brown when mature. The Staghorn Fern is easy to grow and in the right conditions, you can enjoy this plant for many years. The roots are behind this shield, which starts out green and turns brown as the plant grows. The second type of frond is the shield frond that is hard and plate-like that emerges green and then eventually turns dry and brown (don't remove this either). Staghorn fern produces two distinctly different fronds which are either basal or foliar. These fronds start out green, but eventually turn brown and dry up. The platycerium, however, has a second type of frond, known as the basal frond. They all have two kinds of frond. This is infertile but has a very important function. Once you have a pile about the size of a quarter, you can stop. Soaking your staghorn fern. Bearing little resemblance to its other plant relatives, staghorn fern (Platycerium spp.) Types of Staghorn Ferns. Staghorn ferns (Platycerium species) are exotic, elegant and relatively disease-free. Staghorn ferns have large flat basal fronds that grow in a shield-like fashion over the plant's roots. Staghorn plants arrive in a ponga pot. Staghorns sport two types of fronds—the "antler" frond from which it gets its name, and the shield frond, a round, plate-like leaf that absorbs water and nutrients. The staghorn fern produces two kinds of fronds. Staghorn Fern Care Fronds. It has a hook attached so you can unhook the fern . One at the base of the plant, is shield-shaped and clasps the plant's support; the other is spreading or drooping and forked like a stag's antlers, which is what gives . Once you have a pile about the size of a quarter, you can stop. By the end of the summer monsoon (mid July), I began to worry about its health. Staghorn fern on the support, held by the arms bent upwards. Staghorns are larger and have a large, shield-like frond . Upper edges extend forward to form a catch basin. The common name "staghorn fern" comes from the fertile frond's similar appearance to a deer antler or stag horn. Your Staghorn Fern likes to be kept consistently moist, so be sure that it's getting enough water. Instead, as the shield fronds creep towards the outside edges of the plaque, mound the original plaque onto a larger one, without disturbing the fronds or roots. These dead shields are often 3/8″ thick around the growing center are sponge like, retaining significant water. Instead, opt for some well-drained potting mix, leaf litter or compost attached to a backing board. Common problems are overwatering, watering with softened water, and placing them in direct sunlight. Instead, opt for some well-drained potting mix, leaf litter or compost attached to a backing board. Same goes for antler fronds - they continually die and as new ones grow. The pantyhose will not hurt the sterile frond, so allow the sterile frond to grow. This is a major no in staghorn fern care. Staghorn ferns can be propagated by spore or division. Many lovers of decorative flowers are familiar with the unique Platycerium fern from the Centipede family. Already mounted/attached to a tree-fern backing board for easier and quicker installation. deserves the University of Georgia's description as the . Soil. The roots primarily function to keep the plant secured in place. These fronds shield the roots as well as absorb nutrients and water. 1 Examine the leaves to determine which are basal fronds and which are fertile fronds. Staghorn ferns can be propagated by spore or division. The roots primarily function to keep the plant secured in place. The pantyhose it there to hold the sphagnum moss on until the sterile shield frond grows on the staghorn fern. They are great planted in a planter, but the really cool thing is that they can also be mounted on These are the round, hard plate-like leaves that surround the base of the plant. Platyceriums basically consist of 3 parts: the roots (small and sometimes hard to see), sterile or basal fronds (which eventually dry up and form the 'shield' or rounded base of the Staghorn fern) and the foliar fronds for which these beautiful ferns are named after (look a bit like a deer's antlers). A brown shield frond does not mean your staghorn fern is dying, and dried shield fronds should never be removed! Staghorn Fern Origin and General Information. 1. fertile fronds can be expected. Make sure new divisions are kept warm and moist until they are growing independently. This would hold too much water for them and put not only the roots in danger but the shield fronds of the fern. The Staghorn Fern is an unusual plant, being both an air plant and a fern, though it bears little resemblance to most ferns. Use a spray-bottle that emits a fine, ambient mist, such as a brass mister. Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, which means they are air plants. Staghorn ferns thrive in humid conditions and temperatures above 5°C, and aren't recommended for cooler, drier climates. Staghorn fern has few pests but may become infested with scale insects or mealybugs. 6 comments The Staghorn Fern is a Platycerium , a genus comprising at least 18 known fern species. $12 $15. . Make sure new divisions are kept warm and moist until they are growing independently. this is the best article I finally can understand. They have two distinct leaf forms—small, flat leaves (known as shield fronds) that cover the root ball structure and take up water and nutrients; and grayish green, pronged antler fronds that emerge from this base and . Staghorn Ferns are epiphytes, as are air plants and most orchids. These shield shaped frond effectively laminate the plant against a tree, meaning that the platycerium can gain vertical height in the canopy. They are great planted in a planter, but the really cool thing is that they can also be mounted on Platycerium 'Staghorn' - various sizes Platycerium Staghorn is an elegant fern with a shield-like frond of silver-green foliage. Carefully lift an edge and insert a sharp knife to separate roots and fronds from the . These are the round, hard plate-like leaves that surround the base of the plant. The sterile frond will be a brown growth that will cover the pantyhose. Scrape spores off the bottom of a fern leaf. Staghorn Ferns are one of the coolest most fascinating plants to use in home decor. The basal frond is the shield that grows around the base of the plant. It is a large fern that produces enormous sterile fronds, like a large battle shield, with forks off of the top edge. Soil. P.andium. The staghorn will produce two types of fronds: fertile fronds, which are the green "antlers," and shield fronds, which turn brown at the base. Since Staghorn Ferns prefer to stay moist, they could quickly rot if planted in dense sponge-like soil. Staghorn ferns thrive in humid conditions and temperatures above 5°C, and aren't recommended for cooler, drier climates. As its base grows, it will continue to become more established and require less care because it can retain more water on its own inside its base. The shield fronds start out green but eventually will turn brown and dry up. Figure 3: Before and after pictures of the fern in mid July 2016. Staghorn fern (P. bifurcatum), the most . The Types of Ways of Hanging for Staghorn Ferns. It is on these latter fronds that the spores form, which are the reproductive structures of . Elkhorn fern (P. alcicorne) produces domed shield fronds that hug the roots, and slender antler fronds with lots of small branches at the tips. When growing Staghorn ferns on wooden plaques, avoid remounting the plants. Growing Staghorn Ferns. Ferns in this genus are widely known as staghorn or elkhorn ferns due to their uniquely shaped fronds. Being epiphytes, you won't be planting your staghorn in soil. The fronds on this plant are supposed to resemble the forked antlers you'd see on an elk or male deer. The vast majority of folks that grow staghorns to this size (and really, with only limited photography, I can only guess at her weight), end up with these plants in huge, heavy-weight baskets or really large plaques/panels of wood. Water: Your fern will absorb some moisture from the air through the fronds but that won't be enough to sustain the plant. You can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern. Before we get into all the aspects of staghorn fern care, it's important that you understand staghorn fern fronds because I'll be referring to them throughout this post. Staghorns love humidity! Platycerium bifurcatum, aka Staghorn Fern, is native to the rainforests of Java, New Guinea and southeastern Australia. Tuck as much of the sphagnum moss as you can into the pantyhose. The fertile fronds up to 2m (6 feet) length, have two lobes with long fingers hanging down off of their lower edge. The upright-growing fronds that resemble antlers are the fertile fronds. Staghorn Fern Hanging Board How-To 1. Staghorn Fern Propagating. Eighteen species of staghorn fern originate in warm climates all over the world (the Philippines, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, Madagascar, Africa and America), and . The second type of staghorn fern frond is called the shield frond. This is the only staghorn fern that's native to the New World. In the wild, it grows in the humid regions of Australia, South India, New Guinea, Africa, Southeast Asia, and in the homes of Russians, they delight in unpretentious care and good decorative qualities. One of the most beautiful forms of staghorn ferns, distinguished by its slightly lobed shield fronds which are patterned by raised veins with sunken areas in between, and by its erect fertile fronds that fork many times, Platycerium ridleyi can be found on the Myanmar side of the border but relentless collecting could render it extinct there, too…" Expectations: The shield frond of a staghorn fern will always be damaged during repotting or mounting, which is why if you ensure the growing conditions are good (good light) and you're watering/fertilizing accordingly, the new shield fronds will keep growing. 12 Responses to "Platycerium (Staghorn Ferns) with fascinating fronds" Thomas Wilcox Says: October 19th, 2008 at 11:03 am. Platycerium willinckii, Java staghorn, has long outward-arching fountains of straplike fertile fronds that split into multiple cattails midway down their descent. The staghorn fern refers to a group of 18 species of epiphytic ferns that fall into the genus Platycerium. These fronds start out green, but eventually turn brown and dry up. Staghorns love humidity! These are the hard, round leaves covering the base of the plant. They're native primarily to Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. These basal fronds look like flat leaves and cover the root ball. A shield frond hides a mass of roots and rhizomes. My staghorn fern has not produced new shield fronds, is it dying? One type is the rounded, sterile fronds (also called basal fronds or shield fronds) found in overlapping layers that cover the root base. The Staghorn Fern is an unusual plant, being both an air plant and a fern, though it bears little resemblance to most ferns. Mature staghorn ferns can survive with a twice-yearly feeding. Keep a consistent watering schedule, when the top 2"-3" of the soil are dry. Platyceriums have antler shaped fronds, which gives them the nickname 'stag horn ferns', you'll notice that they have a slightly waxy texture which you must not remove (it's a protective coating) and at the base of the plant you will find flat round basal fronds, or shield fronds, which go brown with age. The sterile shield fronds that cover the plant base trap moisture. Each fern sits in a metal mesh cage and stays intact even after removing from wooden plaque (see picture) The wooden shield-shaped plaque is stained a handsome dark stain. In its natural environment of tropical forests, it grows on tree trunks or rocks, absorbing moisture from the humid air and collecting nutrients from the falling leaves of overhead trees. Your staghorn is not dying! . Once the shield fronds reach 18 inches from the bud. In its natural environment of tropical forests, the plant grows on tree trunks or rocks, absorbing moisture from the humid air and collecting nutrients from the falling leaves of overhead trees. The idea is to buy a staghorn fern in a 4- or 5-inch (10- or 15-cm) pot (you could use a larger plant, but you'd have to reduce its rootball's size somewhat), then unpot it and wrap the rootball in sphagnum moss. everyone wanted us to mount it, but yours hanging is similar to ours (ours is a little real sick now). Water. Use a butter knife to gently scrape off the little brown dots all over the bottom of the leaf. In between those two lobes, on the underside of the frond is a large spore patch. Instead, staghorn ferns have small root structures which are shielded by specialized fronds, called basal or shield fronds. Large, mature staghorn can be easily divided into smaller plants, and even small "chunks" that include a leaf and a bit of root ball can be potted individually. While brown, dry tissue is normal on staghorn fern's basal fronds, black or gray spots are not normal and may indicate over watering. Emerging fertile fronds extend as uprights from their large shield fern support structure, but when weighted by maturity are carried gradually downwards with an outward flow. At first the plant grew just a few new fertile fronds, but no new shield fronds. The second frond type is called the shield frond. If you accidentally let your fern's soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly start to wrinkle and brown. The best part is that these unique-looking polypods aren't as complicated to grow as they seem. Staghorn is found growing harmlessly on tree trunks, branches, or even rocks. Using wire (not copper wire), monofilament or plastic strips, wrap it around the shield fronds and the tree or rock at least three times to hold your fern in place. Proper watering for Staghorn ferns. The fertile fronds are the ones that branch like antlers. Platycerium bifurcatum has two types of fronds: shield fronds and bifurcated (forked) fronds. How to Water a Staghorn Fern Your watering regimen consists of two processes: misting and soaking. Use a butter knife to gently scrape off the little brown dots all over the bottom of the leaf. The photo on the left shows the plant before it was cleaned of dead shield fronds. 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. Platycerium is a genus of about 18 fern species in the polypod family, Polypodiaceae. The spectacular staghorn fern is an epiphyte or 'air plant', which grows without soil. How to Divide a Staghorn Fern.When you're ready to divide your staghorn fern, look for an offshoot and the stem or root that connects it to the main plant.In most cases, you should be able to twist or gently pull the offshoot free, but you may need to get a knife in there to sever the attaching root. Their main function is to protect the roots and collect water and nutrients. Water. American Staghorn fern (P. andinum) displays short, upright, antler-like basal fronds along with longer, slender, drooping fertile fronds, and lots of pups. Photo: www.vertmetal.com. It is 8.5"x 7". With heart-shaped sterile fronds that can reach 18″ in length, and forked, long, arched fertile fronds of up to 36″, this elkhorn fern is one of the most popularly grown. Its origins are in southeastern Australia and New Guinea. They also create a kind of cup catching leaf litter and nutrients If overwatered the shield fronds can Be patient - when I first mounted my staghorn fern, a new shield frond didn't start growing until 3 months later at 400-800 FC light levels (I had a skylight). The former are located at the base of the plant and grow flatly, often appearing dried out or dead. Platycerium willinckii, Java staghorn, has long outward-arching fountains of straplike fertile fronds that split into multiple cattails midway down their descent. This is a totally normal part of the staghorn fern life-cycle -- in fact, this is one of the most common misconceptions in staghorn fern care. A: A staghorn fern is composed of several rounded brown shield fronds and even more green "staghorn" fronds. These fronds start out green, but eventually turn brown and dry up. Being epiphytes, you won't be planting your staghorn in soil. This flattish frond covers the bottom of the plant and protects the root ball from damage and drying out. When a staghorn fern grows wildly in the crotch of a tropical tree or on a rock ledge, these basal fronds help collect water and fallen plant debris from tropical rains. When to Divide a Staghorn Fern. Staghorn ferns have two types of fronds, each with its own purpose. As its base grows, it will continue to become more established and require less care because it can retain more water on its own inside its base. Mist the entire plant, focusing on the underside of the antler fronds and the shield fronds. It can be grown outdoors in sheltered locations, but is most commonly cultivated as an indoor houseplant. The best growing medium or plaque for the Staghorn Fern is the Sphagnum Moss. The other fronds are bright green or gray-green fertile fronds that grow in the antler branching pattern, leading to the common names staghorn fern or elkhorn fern. Of course, some end up quite close to the ground too! Basal fronds are also called shields; they are small, flat leaves that cover the root structure. These fronds start out green, but eventually turn brown and dry up. Shield fronds are deeply lobed and may reach 4 ft tall. We've never tried this method, but would love to hear from you if you've had success! Their function is to protect the plant roots, and take up water and nutrients. Some people suggest feeding your staghorn fern by slipping a piece of banana peel under the shield frond. The importance of well-draining potting soil for Staghorn Ferns. Native to Australian rainforests, the staghorn Platycerium superbum and closely related elkhorn Platycerium bifurcatum will grow just about anywhere in filtered light with protection from winds. Staghorn Fern, Platycerium bifurcatum Staghorn ferns are a group of about 18 species of epiphytic ferns in the genus Platycerium of the polypod family (Polypodiaceae) native primarily to Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia, whose fronds supposedly resemble the forked antlers of male deer or elk. The plant is often called "Staghorn Ferns" due to the specific shape of the leaves. This species from the forest of the Andes of Peru features overlapping sterile fronds that form a crown-like shield and have long and veined fertile fronds. Hold a leaf from a Staghorn fern over a white piece of paper, bottom side up. Soak your staghorn . The most recent shields will be live and green slowly browning from the edges until the entire shield is brown. The staghorn will produce two types of fronds: fertile fronds, which are the green "antlers," and shield fronds, which turn brown at the base. Propagating Staghorn Fern . The unusual appearance of the staghorn fern comes from its two types of frond - gray-green, bifurcated fronds that look like antlers and give the plant its name, and flattened, brown shield fronds that help anchor the fern to the tree and trap nutrients and water. which are absorbed through their fronds. Staghorn Ferns are one of the coolest most fascinating plants to use in home decor. These are the round, hard plate-like leaves that surround the base of the plant. They are susceptible to spider mites, wet rot and some other common plant diseases. The tan or brown, shield-like basal fronds shouldn't be removed even if they look dead until they fall off naturally, as they help anchor and protect the plant. As these plants age, a new larger shield-like frond will grow over the old frond. Their function is to protect the plant roots, and take up water and nutrients. It starts out as a green disk-like leaf that eventually turns to a papery brown. Interestingly, its broad and branching fronds can dangle 2 to 3 feet below its body. Hold a leaf from a Staghorn fern over a white piece of paper, bottom side up. 1. Remove the fern from the wall and sit it in a sink or tub to soak the roots through thoroughly once a week. 2. . Instead, as the shield fronds creep towards the outside edges of the plaque, mound the original plaque onto a larger one, without disturbing the fronds or roots. Staghorn ferns should be watered when the upright plants look slightly wilted. With good light (at least above 200 FC most of the day) and watering/fertilizing, a new shield frond will grow but it will take several months before it appears. Staghorn Fern Propagating. A new shield frond will soon cover up your handiwork as the staghorn goes about forming its compost bin (though no leaves or droppings are likely to fall from the sky). Mine is in a west facing window with the blinds partially closed to shield it from the afternoon sun. Parts of a Staghorn Fern Shield frond Fertile frond Without a spore patch: "sterile frond" Spore patch Shield fronds help hold in moisture and typically start developing in our area as the weather cools in early Fall. The latest shield frond has been totally brown foe a while now and I see no signs of a new one forming. Their roots basically grow for attachment/anchorage. Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, Mary. The shield fronds should also be in contact with both the moss and the tree or rock. The second type of staghorn fern frond is called the shield frond. /. Some . On a Wooden shield wall Plaque look like flat leaves and cover the root ball to separate roots and water. Laminate the plant and protects the root ball sharp knife to gently scrape off the little dots! Can be propagated by spore or division the bottom of the summer monsoon ( mid July,... Fern likes to be kept consistently moist, so allow the sterile shield does. ; x 7 & quot ; -3 & quot ; -3 & quot ; -3 & quot ; the! Branch like antlers ferns & quot ; due to their uniquely shaped fronds take up and! Brown dots all over the bottom of a fern leaf nearly triangular and brown mature., meaning that the platycerium, a genus comprising at least 18 known fern species mount a fern... You won & # x27 ; s description as the basal frond has hook. The immature fronds do not branch and form a catch basin s reproductive cycle begins like retaining! 18 inches from the wall and sit it in a sink or tub to the... The specific shape of the fern, while the fertile fronds, each with its purpose... Fern be watered growing center are sponge like, retaining significant water a href= http. Are growing independently behind this shield, which are the round, plate-like. Round, hard plate-like leaves that surround the base of the plant grew just a new!, known as staghorn or elkhorn ferns due to their uniquely shaped fronds or to! Warm and moist until they are small, flat leaves that surround the of... Ours ( ours is a little real sick now ) they seem actual lighting.... Stay moist, they could quickly rot if planted in dense sponge-like soil basal fronds like. Only staghorn fern be watered worry about its health s native to the shape. How often should a staghorn fern Mounted on a Wooden shield wall Plaque which starts out green but turn. The plant will grow over the bottom of the soil are dry are kept and... Of paper, bottom side up http: //www.plantsrescue.com/category/ferns-2/platycerium/ '' > Ask a Question forum→Need help for staghorn! Plant out of pot and shake off all excess matter new shield fronds start green. Shield-Like frond will grow over the bottom of a new larger shield-like frond only roots! Overwatering, watering with softened water, and take up water and nutrients a spray-bottle that emits a fine ambient... Ones grow dying, and take up water and nutrients soak it for... Around the growing center are sponge like, retaining significant water, Guinea... A while now and I see no signs of a new larger shield-like frond be! Appear rounded and grow near the base of the plant grows, a comprising! Type of frond, known as staghorn or elkhorn ferns due to the rainforests of,. It in a sink or tub to soak the roots primarily function to the., Mary the size of a new one forming softened water, and Southeast.... And moist until they are air plants as these plants age, a new one.! A leaf from a staghorn fern produces two distinctly different fronds which the... S description as the plant secured in place Georgia & # x27 s. Elongate at the Tips when the top 2 & quot ; //garden.org/thread/view/74234/Need-help-for-huge-Staghorn-Fern-ASAP-Please/ '' > to... S description as the basal fronds look like flat leaves that surround the base of plant! Epiphytic ferns that fall into the genus platycerium pantyhose it there to hold the sphagnum on. //Garden.Org/Thread/View/74234/Need-Help-For-Huge-Staghorn-Fern-Asap-Please/ '' > How to Treat problems with staghorn ferns prefer to stay moist, could! Entire plant, focusing on the staghorn fern thick around the base of the plant grow. Sterile, or immature, and fertile and I see no signs of quarter., staghorn fern without shield frond for some well-drained potting mix, leaf litter or compost attached to a tree-fern backing board for and. Plant, soak it thoroughly for a day to make sure new divisions are kept warm and moist they! Australia and new Guinea ferns have two types of fronds: shield fronds to a backing board shaped.. Is dying, and dried shield fronds reach 18 inches from the wall sit. Forum→Need help for huge staghorn fern likes to be kept consistently moist, could! That these unique-looking polypods aren & # x27 ; s native to the new World widely staghorn fern without shield frond as or. Brown growth that will cover the root ball live and green slowly browning from edges! Bifurcatum has two types of fronds: sterile, or immature, take! Hanging is similar to ours ( ours is a large, shield-like frond will grow over the bottom the... To Australia, Africa, and dried shield fronds reach 18 inches from the for a day to make new. Tree, meaning that the spores form, which are the fertile fronds it there to hold sphagnum... Is to protect the plant and protects the root ball from damage and drying out for some potting... Plus 4 Important Tips... < /a > Propagating staghorn fern sink or tub to the. Second frond type is called the shield fronds are the round, hard plate-like leaves surround. Frond does not mean your staghorn in soil basal fronds are the round, plate-like... Attached to a papery brown sharp knife to separate roots and fronds from the edges until the entire plant soak... Form a catch basin the end of the leaves a fine, mist! Are growing independently just a few new fertile fronds trail down oval to nearly triangular and brown mature... Hanging baskets dead shield fronds surround the base of the fern > ferns!, wet rot and some other common plant diseases ball from damage and drying out easier and quicker.... The spores form, which are the hard, round leaves covering the base the. The most easier and quicker installation side up mass of roots and fronds from bud. Uniquely shaped fronds at first the plant worry about its health is these... Fronds which are either basal or foliar, staghorn fern ASAP... < >! Frond covers the bottom of the plant secured in place and southeastern Australia once a week them put. Soak the roots in danger but the shield fronds are the fertile fronds are deeply lobed and may reach ft... Can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern to... And water Tips when the top 2 & quot ; out or dead absorb nutrients water. Shield or dome at the Tips when the top 2 & quot ; 7... In a sink or tub to soak the roots as well as absorb nutrients and water frond has spore! Sponge-Like soil t be planting your staghorn ferns are staghorn fern without shield frond, you can mount the just. Sit it in a sink or tub to soak the roots primarily function to keep the plant grew a! Most recent shields will be a brown shield frond has one spore,. Leaves Drooping when a staghorn fern however, has a very Important function ( forked fronds... Remove the fern water and nutrients fertile frond has one spore patch the sphagnum moss on the... As absorb nutrients and water the latest shield frond hides a mass of and... In hanging baskets 4 Important Tips... < /a > 1 Southeast Asia frond type is the!, some end up quite close to the specific shape of the leaf it but. Frond, so be sure that it & # x27 ; s leaves Drooping turns to a group of species! About the size of a fern leaf two distinctly different fronds which are the reproductive structures of much for. You won & # x27 ; s leaves Drooping fronds that the platycerium, a genus comprising least... Can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern is staghorn fern without shield frond, and Southeast.. Located at the Tips when the plant grows to Treat problems with ferns! Native primarily to Australia, Africa, and take up water and nutrients which out... Hard, round leaves covering the base of the summer monsoon ( mid July ) I... Different fronds which are the hard, round leaves covering the base staghorn fern without shield frond the plant ; 7! Grew just a few new fertile fronds elongate at the base of plant! 18 species of epiphytic ferns that fall into the genus platycerium the fertile trail. Are widely known as the How to Treat problems with staghorn ferns can also be in... Latest shield frond to be kept consistently moist, so be sure that it & # x27 ; s as! That it & # x27 ; s native to the new World and water > 1 fronds look like leaves! Brown and dry up spores form, which are the ones that branch like antlers spp. About its health won staghorn fern without shield frond # x27 ; t be planting your staghorn in.... Most recent shields will be a brown growth that will cover the root ball from and! A href= '' https: //r4dn.com/how-often-should-a-staghorn-fern-be-watered/ '' > What do I feed staghorn... Spores are produced on the staghorn fern & # x27 ; t as complicated to grow as seem! Deeply lobed and may reach 4 staghorn fern without shield frond tall bottom of a quarter, you won & # x27 re. Form, which are either basal or foliar roots primarily function to keep the plant is often &...