How do you repot a Platycerium?

You can use up to one-third regular potting mix, but never use garden soil. Remove the staghorn carefully from its container and move it to the new container as you gently spread the roots. Finish filling the pot with potting mix so the roots are completely covered but the stem and fronds are exposed.

How do you divide and repot a staghorn fern?

Large staghorn ferns can be divided when repotting. Simply slice through the root mass with a sharp knife and pull the plant into two new plants, then repot separately.

Does a staghorn fern need soil?

In its natural habitat, the staghorn fern grows in rainforests in an epiphytic manner, meaning it clings to trees in a non-parasitic way. It doesn’t need soil around its roots, which only really serve an anchoring purpose: water and nutrients are absorbed mainly through the fronds instead.

How do you revive an elkhorn fern?

Add a small amount of a slow-release fertilizer, such as Osmocote or Nutricote, into the hole as you add the moss or compost. This will provide nutrients and encourage growth. I always summer my staghorn ferns outside, and water them every few days.

How do you look after an Elkhorn?

Elkhorn Fern Plant Care They do need regular watering, especially in dry conditions. A good soaking once a week during warm weather is needed, hold back a bit in cooler weather. Ensure that the plant is not allowed to dry out and keep moist.

How do you mount epiphytes?

Take your plant and wrap the roots in the moistened sphagnum moss. Bind this to the base of the plant and then take your mounting piece and attach the base of the plant. Use glue, twine or whatever method you choose. Take care to hide any string in the foliage of the plant for best appearance.

How do you separate staghorn fern puppies?

Removing staghorn fern pups is easy and has a very high success rate. Wait until the pup is at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across. 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.

How often should I water my Platycerium?

Australian species such as Platycerium bifurcatum tend to prefer to dry out a bit between watering. When a specimen is small, it will need more frequent watering. Once they get a bit larger it is best to be a bit more stingy with the water.

How do you repot a fern plant?

Loosen the fern from its original container and gently remove it from the pot. Place it into the new pot, spreading the roots over and into the soil, moss and wood chips mixture. Cover the roots with soil and tamp down, making sure that the fern leaves are completely exposed.

How cold is too cold for Platycerium?

Here in zone 9b, Winter never gets cold enough to harm them. Since they have protection from the oak canopy, they never get frost on them, even when the temperature drops below 20F. Australian species such as Platycerium bifurcatum tend to prefer to dry out a bit between watering.

How do you take care of an epiphytic fern?

When potting, use epiphytic or sphagnum fern mixture. Potted plants can be watered from the bottom. It can even be grown on a slab of wood or bark. Water its crown on a regular basis while allowing the roots to dry slightly between waterings, never letting the roots dry out completely.