How to Grow a Bare-Root Staghorn Fern

Staghorn ferns are not like typical ferns that grow in soil or pots. In nature, they grow on the side of trees. In the home, staghorn ferns can be grown just about anywhere. Planters can be hung on walls as decorations or hung anywhere that a little extra greenery is desired.

Planter, such as a piece of bark or wire basket
Growing medium, such as peat moss or potting soil
Floral wire
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a planter for the staghorn fern. Since these ferns do not grow in soil, the options are wide open. Popular planters include pieces of wood with small knotholes, wire baskets, large pieces of bark or hanging wicker baskets.
- 2
  Place a small handful of growing medium near the center of the selected planter. Good growing mediums are peat moss, potting soil and rich compost.
- 3
  Locate the basal fronds by looking for the long brown or gray fronds that curl in the opposite direction of the other fronds.
- 4
  Set the fern on the growing medium, leaving the basal fronds out to the side, where they are easy to access.
- 5
  Wire the basal fronds to the planter, so that the fern is securely attached to the planter.
- 6
  Water the fern. The easiest way to do so is to quickly dunk the fern into standing water just long enough for the growing medium to get wet.
- 7
  Fertilize the fern with a fertilizer that has a 1:1:1 ratio by pouring the fertilizer into the growing medium.
- 8
  Hang the fern in a warm location that receives indirect sunlight.
- 9
  Mist the fern with a spray bottle filled with water once or twice a week.
- 10
  Water the fern when the growing medium becomes dry, usually about once per week under normal growing conditions.
- 11
  Fertilize the fern once per month.

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