Hello everyone, I’m Anastasia, and today we’re going to delve into the world of Staghorn Ferns, specifically focusing on their watering needs. These unique plants have specific requirements when it comes to hydration, and understanding these can be the key to helping your fern thrive. While we’ll be focusing on watering in this guide, for a comprehensive overview of all aspects of Staghorn Fern care, I invite you to check out our Ultimate Comprehensive Guide to Staghorn Fern Care. Now, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Staghorn Ferns and their watering needs!
How to Water a Staghorn Fern?
Water a Staghorn Fern by soaking or misting. For soaking, immerse the plant in water for 10-20 minutes weekly. For misting, spray the air around the fern every couple of days. Always let the fern dry out between waterings to prevent rot. Adjust based on your climate and the fern’s health.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Staghorn Ferns, or Platycerium bifurcatum, are fascinating plants that are a favorite among many indoor gardeners, including myself. They’re not your typical potted plant – these ferns are epiphytes, meaning they grow naturally on the surfaces of other plants. In our homes, they’re often mounted on boards and hung on the wall, turning your living space into a living art piece.
Watering is a critical part of caring for these unique plants. Too much or too little water can lead to problems, so it’s important to get it just right. But don’t worry – with a little knowledge and some practice, you’ll be a pro at watering your Staghorn Fern in no time.
Understanding Staghorn Ferns
Before we dive into the specifics of watering, let’s take a moment to understand Staghorn Ferns a bit better.
Different Types of Staghorn Ferns
While the most common type of Staghorn Fern is Platycerium bifurcatum, there are actually around 18 species in the Platycerium genus. Each species has its own unique characteristics, but all share the common name of Staghorn or Elkhorn Ferns due to the distinctive shape of their fronds.
For a deeper dive into the different types of Staghorn Ferns, check out our article on 18 Staghorn Fern Varieties, Species, and Types (With Pictures).
Unique Characteristics of Staghorn Ferns
Staghorn Ferns have two types of fronds: the basal fronds and the fertile fronds. The basal fronds are round and flat, and they serve to attach the plant to its growing surface. The fertile fronds are the ones that give the plant its name, as they resemble the antlers of a stag. These are the fronds that will absorb water and nutrients.
Understanding these characteristics can help you provide the best care for your Staghorn Fern, especially when it comes to watering. So, let’s dive into the specifics of how to water these unique plants.
Stay tuned for the next section where we’ll discuss the water requirements for Staghorn Ferns, best practices for watering, and how to recognize when your Staghorn Fern needs water.

Water Requirements for Staghorn Ferns
Just like us, our plant friends have their own unique needs when it comes to hydration. So, let’s talk about what your Staghorn Fern needs to stay happy and healthy.
How Often to Water Staghorn Ferns
The frequency of watering can vary depending on the environment, but a good rule of thumb is to water your Staghorn Fern once a week. In hotter, drier climates, you may need to water more frequently. Remember, these plants are native to tropical environments where they receive frequent rainfall.
Can a Staghorn Fern Get Too Much Water?
While Staghorn Ferns do enjoy a good drink, it’s definitely possible to overwater them. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a serious condition that can damage or even kill your plant. If the basal fronds (the ones that attach the plant to its surface) become soft and yellow, you may be overwatering.
Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering
Overwatered Staghorn Ferns may have yellowing fronds and a generally unhealthy appearance. Underwatered ferns, on the other hand, may have brown, crispy fronds. If you notice either of these signs, adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Do Staghorn Ferns Like Lots of Water?
Staghorn Ferns do enjoy moisture, but it’s important to let the plant dry out between waterings. Remember, in their natural habitat, they’re used to periods of rain followed by periods of dryness.
How Long Can a Staghorn Fern Go Without Water?
Staghorn Ferns are surprisingly resilient and can go for a week or two without water. However, they’ll be happiest with regular watering. If you’re going on vacation, don’t worry – your fern should be fine for a couple of weeks, but make sure to give it a good soak before you leave.
In the next section, we’ll cover some best practices for watering your Staghorn Fern, so stay tuned!
Best Practices for Watering Staghorn Ferns
Now that we’ve covered the basics of watering, let’s delve into some best practices. After all, it’s not just about how much water you give your Staghorn Fern, but also how you water it.
Techniques for Watering Staghorn Ferns
There are two main techniques for watering Staghorn Ferns: misting and soaking.
Misting: How Often Should You Mist a Staghorn Fern?
Misting is a great way to provide your Staghorn Fern with the humidity it craves. You can mist your fern every couple of days, or more often if you live in a dry climate. Just make sure to mist the air around the plant rather than spraying the fronds directly, as this can lead to water sitting on the leaves, which can cause rot.
Soaking: How Long Do You Soak a Staghorn Fern?
Soaking is another method that can be particularly effective for mounted Staghorn Ferns. To soak your fern, simply immerse the entire plant in a sink or basin filled with water for about 10-20 minutes. This should be done approximately once a week, or when the fern feels dry to the touch.
Ideal Water Types for Staghorn Ferns
Do Ferns Like Tap Water?
While tap water is generally fine for Staghorn Ferns, it’s worth noting that these plants can be sensitive to the chlorine often found in tap water. If possible, use filtered or dechlorinated water for your fern.
Do Staghorn Ferns Like Rainwater?
Yes, Staghorn Ferns love rainwater! If you have the ability to collect and use rainwater, your fern will thank you.
Special Considerations for Potted vs. Mounted Staghorn Ferns
How Do You Water a Mounted Staghorn Fern?
Mounted Staghorn Ferns can be watered by soaking, as mentioned above. Simply remove the fern from the wall, soak it in water for about 20 minutes, then let it drain before rehanging.
How Do You Water a Staghorn Fern on Wood?
If your Staghorn Fern is mounted on wood, you can water it in much the same way as any other mounted fern. Remove it from the wall, soak the entire mount in water, then let it drain thoroughly before rehanging.
Do Ferns Like Bottom Watering?
While bottom watering can be a great method for many houseplants, it’s not typically recommended for Staghorn Ferns due to their epiphytic nature. These ferns are used to absorbing water through their fronds, not their roots.
In the next section, we’ll explore the role of temperature and humidity in Staghorn Fern care.

The Role of Temperature and Humidity in Staghorn Fern Care
Just like watering, temperature and humidity play a crucial role in the health of your Staghorn Fern. Let’s take a closer look.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity Conditions
Staghorn Ferns thrive in temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), but anything colder can cause damage. As for humidity, these ferns love a humid environment. A humidity level of 50% or higher is ideal.
How to Maintain Optimal Conditions
Maintaining the right temperature is usually as simple as keeping your fern indoors, away from drafts or direct heat sources. To increase humidity, you can mist the air around your fern, place it near a humidifier, or create a humidity tray by placing the plant above a tray of water.
Light is another crucial factor in Staghorn Fern care. Learn more about their light requirements in our comprehensive guide: Staghorn Ferns: The Complete Ultimate Guide to Light Requirements.
Recognizing When Your Staghorn Fern Needs Water
Knowing when to water your Staghorn Fern can be a bit of a balancing act, but with a little practice, you’ll soon get the hang of it.
How Do I Know if My Staghorn Fern Needs Water?
The best way to tell if your Staghorn Fern needs water is to check the moisture level of the moss or other medium it’s growing in. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. Also, keep an eye on the fronds. If they start to look a little wilted or brown around the edges, your fern might be thirsty.
Do Staghorn Ferns Like to Be Wet?
While Staghorn Ferns do enjoy a good soak, they don’t like to stay wet. After watering, make sure your fern has a chance to dry out fully. This is especially important for mounted ferns, as they can be prone to rot if they stay wet for too long.
In the next section, we’ll discuss some common problems you might encounter with your Staghorn Fern and how to solve them.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the best care, you might encounter a few issues with your Staghorn Fern. But don’t worry – most problems are easily solvable once you know what to look for.
Identifying Common Issues with Staghorn Ferns
Some common issues include yellowing or browning fronds, which can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. If the plant’s growth seems stunted or the fronds are pale, it might be lacking nutrients.
How to Address These Problems
Adjusting your watering schedule can often solve issues with yellowing or browning fronds. If your fern seems to be lacking nutrients, try feeding it with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried adjusting your care routine and your fern is still struggling, it might be time to seek help from a local nursery or extension service. They can often provide advice tailored to your specific situation.
Additional Care Tips for Staghorn Ferns
To help your Staghorn Fern thrive, here are a few more tips.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Staghorn Ferns
A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer is a good choice for Staghorn Ferns. Apply it at half-strength every month during the growing season.
Understanding the Growth Cycle of Staghorn Ferns
Staghorn Ferns typically have a period of active growth in the spring and summer, followed by a rest period in the fall and winter. Adjust your care routine accordingly, reducing watering and feeding during the rest period.
Dealing with Common Pests and Diseases
Staghorn Ferns are generally quite resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occasionally be affected by scale, mealybugs, or root rot. Keep an eye out for any signs of these issues and treat them promptly.

Key Takeaways
- Understand Your Fern: Staghorn Ferns are unique plants with specific needs. They have two types of fronds, basal and fertile, which absorb water and nutrients.
- Watering Frequency: Typically, Staghorn Ferns should be watered once a week. However, this can vary depending on your climate and the specific needs of your plant.
- Watering Techniques: Staghorn Ferns can be watered by misting or soaking. Misting should be done every couple of days, while soaking can be done weekly.
- Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage or even kill your plant. Always let the fern dry out between waterings.
- Ideal Conditions: Staghorn Ferns thrive in temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) and a humidity level of 50% or higher.
- Recognize Problems: Common issues include yellowing or browning fronds due to overwatering or underwatering, and stunted growth or pale fronds due to lack of nutrients.
- Additional Care: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for feeding, understand the growth cycle, and keep an eye out for common pests and diseases.
Remember, the best guide to caring for your Staghorn Fern is careful observation and responsiveness to its needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my Staghorn Fern?
Typically, you should water your Staghorn Fern once a week. However, this can vary depending on your climate and the specific needs of your plant.
Can a Staghorn Fern get too much water?
Yes, overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage or even kill your plant. If the basal fronds become soft and yellow, you may be overwatering.
What are the signs of overwatering or underwatering?
Overwatered Staghorn Ferns may have yellowing fronds, while underwatered ferns may have brown, crispy fronds. Adjust your watering schedule if you notice either of these signs.
Do Staghorn Ferns like lots of water?
While Staghorn Ferns do enjoy moisture, it’s important to let the plant dry out between waterings to prevent rot.
How long can a Staghorn Fern go without water?
Staghorn Ferns can go for a week or two without water, but they’ll be happiest with regular watering.
How do I know if my Staghorn Fern needs water?
The best way to tell is to check the moisture level of the moss or other medium it’s growing in. If it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
What type of water is best for Staghorn Ferns?
Staghorn Ferns can be sensitive to chlorine often found in tap water. If possible, use filtered or dechlorinated water, or even better, rainwater.
How do I water a mounted Staghorn Fern?
Mounted Staghorn Ferns can be watered by soaking. Remove the fern from the wall, soak it in water for about 20 minutes, then let it drain before rehanging.
What are some common problems with Staghorn Ferns?
Common issues include yellowing or browning fronds due to overwatering or underwatering, and stunted growth or pale fronds due to lack of nutrients.
What is the ideal temperature and humidity for Staghorn Ferns?
Staghorn Ferns thrive in temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) and a humidity level of 50% or higher.
Conclusion
Caring for a Staghorn Fern might seem a bit daunting at first, but with a little knowledge and practice, it’s a task that any houseplant enthusiast can handle. Remember, the key to successful Staghorn Fern care is understanding the plant’s needs and adjusting your care routine accordingly.
I hope this guide has given you the confidence to take on the challenge of caring for a Staghorn Fern. Remember, every plant is unique and may require a bit of trial and error to figure out what works best. But with patience and perseverance, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, healthy fern that brings a touch of the tropics to your home.
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with Staghorn Ferns. Happy planting!
References
Remember, while these sources provide a wealth of information, the best guide will always be a careful observation of your own plant. Happy planting!
Pemberton R.W., 2003, “The common staghorn fern, Platycerium bifurcatum, naturalises in Southern Florida”, American Fern Journal, vol. 93.
Van der Mast S., Hobbs J., 1998, Ferns for New Zealand Gardens, Godwit Publishing Ltd, Auckland.
Perrin D., 1988, Dictionary of botanical names: Australian plant names. Published by Don Perrin Bushland Stickers, Kippa Ring.