Are Staghorn Ferns Expensive?

Are staghorn ferns expensive?

Staghorn ferns are an extremely rare and expensive plant species. Aside from being extremely rare, the plant necessitates meticulous care. As a result, the plant is quite pricey when compared to other similar plants. They have a lot of growth requirements; hence their prices range from $10 to $300.

Staghorn ferns are quite pricey when compared to other house plants and ferns. Because of how rare the plant is, it is typical for the plant to be priced higher than other comparable and contemporary plants.

The price of the plant might range from $10 to $300 or more. The staghorn fern’s price is primarily determined by its age. The older this type of fern is, the higher its price. There is still a pricing range for the ferns based on age group.

Why are staghorn ferns so expensive?

The reason why staghorn ferns are so expensive is due to their rarity and the very specific requirements for growing them. These requirements include a dark and cool location, moist but not soggy soil, and a warm area for growing. They are also extremely fragile; thus, they need to be housed carefully.

Since it requires a very specific environment and special care, the prices of this plant tend to vary by quite a bit depending on those factors.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?

Coffee grounds do not contribute to the fern’s health and growth, unlike with other plants.

Modern gardeners understand that California’s sparse rainfall and alkaline soil are difficult for acid-loving plants. Coffee grounds can be used as mulch and soil conditioner. Some staghorn fern owners feed their plants banana peels.

While coffee grounds are a good supplement for staghorn ferns, they are not exactly responsible for the high prices of this plant species.

Do staghorn ferns need to be mounted?

Although immature staghorn ferns can be purchased in pots, adult plants must be mounted to a board or hung in a hanging basket. Because, like air plants, staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants, which means they grow on other plants or trees in their natural settings.

Staghorn ferns grow to truly huge dimensions in the tropics (and even warmer sections of the United States like Florida), sticking dramatically out of the curves of trees. Their roots maintain them in place, and their fronds absorb water and nutrients.

Do staghorn ferns need soil?

Although there are other staghorn fern species, the one most commonly found in plant stores and garden centers is Platycerium bifurcatum. This species is native to Australia, New Guinea, and the Indonesian island of Java.

The staghorn fern develops in rainforests as an epiphyte, which means it clings to trees without being parasitic. It does not require soil surrounding its roots, which solely serve as anchors: water and nutrients are absorbed mostly through the fronds.

Are staghorn ferns rare?

Staghorn ferns are an extremely rare and expensive plant species. Aside from being extremely rare, the plant necessitates meticulous care. As a result, the plant is quite pricey when compared to other similar plants. They have a lot of growth requirements; hence their prices range from $10 to $300.

Staghorn ferns are quite pricey when compared to other house plants and ferns. Because of how rare the plant is, it is typical for the plant to be priced higher than other comparable and contemporary plants.

What kind of soil do staghorn ferns need?

Staghorn ferns can be grown in containers, but should not be placed in mineral soil. Use a well-draining planting medium mostly composed of organic matter instead. A 50/50 mix of orchid bark and cactus potting mix is recommended.

Staghorn ferns prefer a course, well-draining, organic-rich growing medium as epiphytes. Most growers mount them on wood planks or plaques rather than growing them in pots. Because cedar is naturally rot resistant, it makes an excellent staghorn fern mounting board. The preferred media is dry sphagnum moss.

What is the difference between staghorn and elkhorn ferns?

Many gardeners are certainly familiar with the Staghorn Platycerium grande and Elkhorn Platycerium bifurcatum, both of which are available at garden centers and nurseries across the country.

They are mainly ferns from Eastern Australia’s damp forests. They are classified as epiphytic ferns because they grow on the limbs of trees or on fallen logs.

Elkhorn ferns have many plants growing together in communities and short, delicate fronds, making them the simplest to discern between the two species of ferns. Staghorns, on the other hand, tend to grow larger as individuals.

Both species can be found in warm, humid forests. Elkhorn is the tougher of the two species, and it can be found from far northern Queensland to southern New South Wales.

How many types of staghorn ferns are there?

Staghorn ferns are distinctive, exotic-looking plants that will pique the interest of visitors, whether they’re presented indoors or outdoors in a warm-climate garden. Staghorn ferns are any of the 18 species in the Platycerium genus, as well as several hybrids and variants of those species.

Can staghorn ferns grow in pots?

Staghorn ferns are a conversation starter due to their size and uniqueness. Staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow by attaching themselves to tree trunks or limbs.

This is a common concern because staghorns do not grow naturally in soil. The key to successfully growing staghorn ferns in baskets or pots is to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible. They can, however, grow in pots.

There are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to pot a staghorn fern.

Staghorn ferns grow well in wire or mesh baskets, but they can also be grown in standard pots. Fill the pot with a loose, well-drained potting mixture, preferably shredded pine bark, sphagnum moss, or something similar.

When the plant becomes overcrowded, repot it. Also, keep in mind that because drainage is limited in a regular pot, it is easier to overwater. Water sparingly to avoid the plant becoming waterlogged.

Are staghorn ferns hard to care for?

It is simple to grow staghorn ferns. They will flourish in low to medium light and moderate moisture. In reality, whether growing staghorn ferns indoors or outdoors, give moderate hydration and a humus-rich substrate.

For the optimal growth, outdoor plants should be placed in partial shadow or low light circumstances, but indoor plants require bright indirect light.

Staghorn ferns are typically grown in a basket or mounted on a piece of wood. They will require a small mound of peat, compost, or other organic matter put beneath the plant. Using pantyhose or plant strips, secure the plant to the growth substrate.

What is the best fertilizer for staghorn ferns?

A liquid food is best for feeding staghorn ferns. It is simple to use and can be diluted to avoid burning. Young plants can be fed once a month during the warm season and once every other month during the cool season. Once grown, plants can flourish with only one- or two-yearly feedings during the growth season.

Staghorns will thrive on a balanced diet, such as a 10:10:10 formula. There are alternative possibilities if a liquid purchased product fails your organic or natural test.

Popular choices include staghorn ferns and banana peels. Simply place a peel beneath the shield leaves. It will disintegrate and release nutrients to the plant over time.

Cut the peel into pieces and place them under the plant for faster breakdown. This will supply a lot of phosphorus and potassium, so you might want to supplement with a source of nitrogen.

Feeding banana peels to a staghorn fern provides a slow release of nutrients that the plant can easily absorb.

How much do staghorn ferns cost?

Staghorn ferns are an extremely rare and expensive plant species. Aside from being extremely rare, the plant necessitates meticulous care. As a result, the plant is quite pricey when compared to other similar plants. They have a lot of growth requirements; hence their prices range from $10 to $300.

How big do staghorn ferns get?

Staghorn ferns are a genus of roughly 18 species of epiphytic ferns in the polypod family (Polypodiaceae) endemic largely to Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia, with fronds that mimic the forked antlers of male deer or elk.

A mature P. bifurcatum can grow to be three feet across. The plant is made up of small rhizomes that generate two types of fronds.

How fast do staghorn ferns grow?

The pace of growth of staghorn ferns varies according on the species and culture, although none grow particularly quickly or become large. The most common species, great staghorn (Platycerium bifurcatum), is believed to be the simplest to cultivate, and its fronds can grow to reach 6 feet long over time.

Because the plants grow so slowly, huge specimens are exceedingly expensive and, in residential gardens, are easy prey for burglars.

Do staghorn ferns grow fast?

Staghorn fern is a choice fern for beginners. Like many other ferns, it grows slowly but surely. While growth of the plant is inconsistent and has its ups and downs, staghorn ferns can take anywhere from a couple of years to several decades to reach their potential size.

The fronds grow at a rate of around 7 inches. It’s not the fastest growing fern available, but it is one that will be well worth the wait.

Do staghorn ferns need direct sunlight?

Because staghorn ferns are not frost hardy, many gardeners keep them indoors, at least during the winter. Indoors, the same regulations apply. Staghorn ferns require a lot of bright but indirect or diffused sunshine.

This is best accomplished by positioning them near the brightest window in the house. All directions are fine, however windows facing west may expose the fern to too much direct afternoon sun. Staghorn ferns can’t survive on artificial light alone; they need to be near a window to thrive.

Can staghorn ferns tolerate sun?

Staghorn ferns thrive in the cracks and crevices of trees in tropical forests in the wild. This means they are adapted to the bright but dappled sunlight that streams down through the tree branches. You can easily replicate this look by hanging your own staghorn fern outside on the trunk of a huge tree.

While dappled sunlight is good, staghorn ferns also thrive in bright, indirect light. This is best accomplished by placing the fern in a covered porch with plenty of windows.

The idea is to expose the fern to a lot of light while keeping it out of direct sunlight. In full light, a staghorn fern will become burnt. Growing staghorn ferns in intense shade, on the other hand, will significantly inhibit their growth and increase the spread of fungus and illness.

Do staghorn ferns like shade or sun?

Indoors, they need a lot of bright but indirect or diffused sunshine. Do not expose staghorn ferns to direct sunlight at any point. This will cause the fern’s fronds to burn and fade.

Allow your staghorn fern to get bright light but not direct sunlight, which would scorch the leaf. It usually thrives near east, west, or south-facing windows (north-facing typically are too dark most of the year).

If you wish to exhibit it outside in the summer, make sure it’s in the shade or gets just filtered early morning sun.

Can staghorn ferns grow indoors?

Yes. Staghorn ferns are a tropical plant and therefore cannot tolerate frost.

They thrive in temperate regions and make excellent houseplants with minimal care. Staghorn ferns can be grown in pots, wire baskets, or on a wire frame.

The staghorn fern thrives indoors at room temperature, and while it can tolerate some cold, it’s usually better not to allow temperatures to fall below 50 °F/10 °C.

If you want to grow staghorn ferns inside all year long, it is best to maintain it in dappled shade all year long. This can be easily accomplished by placing the plant on a porch or balcony that gets dappled light from trees.

Humidity: The staghorn fern is a typical rainforest plant that prefers high humidity. It may not be happy in your home if it has very dry air. Place the plant in a more humid area of the house, such as the bathroom, or use a humidifier to keep the moisture levels up.

Watering staghorn ferns properly requires the use of a plant mister and a showerhead or garden hose. It’s usually a good idea to spray your staghorn fern’s fronds regularly at home, especially during the summer.

Do staghorn ferns damage trees?

No, they do not!

Staghorn ferns are epiphytes that grow on tree trunks, branches, or rocks in hot, humid tropical woods. In warm enough climates, such as southern Florida, staghorn fern spores have been observed to naturalize, forming massive plants in the crotches of native trees such as live oak.

Although staghorn fern plants live in huge trees or rocky outcrops, they do not cause any damage or harm to their hosts. Instead, they get all of their water and nutrients from the air and fallen plant debris via their basal fronds, which cover and protect their roots.