I used to think the staghorn (or elkhorn) fern was sooo ugly! I bet you did too haha. My Nan used to have them and I wish I stolen some back in the day. My father-in-law has a few and I asked my husband to secretly lift one off his wall next time he visits! I am sure he won’t notice 😉
They are definitely making a comeback and do make a big impact on a wall. I am seeing a lot of these inside too. If you can’t find artwork, then go the staghorn!
Staghorns have a large, shield-like frond at the front which curves outward to collect water and organic food matter. The smaller elkhorn has multiple rosettes or ‘eyes’ of foliage which can be easily separated to start new plants. Both plants have similar requirements when it comes to caring for them. Tips below.
Check out these photos below for some inspiration…
TIPS ON CARING FOR A STAGHORN
- Staghorns are low maintenance. Mostly they can take care of themselves in the right conditions, but if you are hanging them on wall inside or outside they need a little bit of care occasionally.
- The best position is light shade with occasional patches of sunlight. Although they’ll cope with light frosts, the plants need good protection in cold areas.
- Don’t overfeed or overwater them. In conditions with full overhead shelter, such as under the eves of a house, supplementary feeding and watering is advisable. They can be fed by placing organic matter such as leaf litter, banana skins or compost at the back of the plant (near where it meets the backing board). Just do this throughout the growing season (warmer weather).
- A good rule of thumb is to water once per week in hot times of year and once every 2-3 weeks during cooler months. Start with this schedule, and adjust as necessary depending on your space. Staghorn ferns absorb water through their fronds, as well as their roots. If you have one inside, then of course you’ll need to take it outside every time you want to water it.
Ok, NOW I realy really need one! Have you got a staghorn? What about a collection of them? They look great! ♥ KC.
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