Last week I was a bit lucky and my husband brought home this huge elkhorn. It was his Grandmother’s and it had fallen down (his Father had it) and it was getting a bit burnt in the sun. We think it’s at least 60 years old.
You can be excused for calling it a staghorn, because they are very similar. The difference between the two plants is the elkhorn (which is what I have) has thinner, wispier leaves and multiple “eyes” or rosettes of foliage. The staghorn has a single eye and larger leaves.
Here we are trying to put it up! Haha…
The elkhorn was mounted on half a log of wood. So my husband put tek screws in to the back of that, then a piece of chain and some more big screws in to the wall of the house. It wasn’t going anywhere!
Once it settles in to its new home I know the ferns will come back to life. They are a little burnt and dry but I will look after him!
TIPS ON CARING FOR A STAGHORN OR ELKHORN
- 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.
♥ KC.
