The staghorn fern (Platycerium) is a unique houseplant because it is an epiphyte, meaning it naturally grows attached to trees in tropical environments rather than rooted in soil. This growth habit requires specific attention to its watering routine, as the plant is most often mounted on a plaque or contained in a small basket of moss. Without soil to hold moisture, the root ball and mounting material dry out quickly, which can lead to rapid dehydration if the proper technique is not used. Learning to hydrate this plant effectively ensures its long-term health and impressive growth.
Recognizing When to Water
Determining when to water a staghorn fern relies on checking the moisture level of its mounting material, rather than following a strict calendar schedule. The best indicator is the weight of the entire mount; a well-hydrated fern will feel substantially heavier than a dry one, making lifting the plant a quick assessment method.
You should also examine the texture of the shield fronds, which are the flat, sterile leaves pressed against the mount that protect the root system. If the moss or growing medium beneath the shield frond feels dry and crumbly, or if the shield frond itself feels papery and brittle, the plant is ready for water. The goal is to allow the growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, but never to become completely dry for extended periods.
A general guideline is to water mounted staghorn ferns about once a week during the warmer, active growing seasons of spring and summer. This frequency should be reduced significantly during the cooler fall and winter months, allowing the plant to naturally slow its growth during periods of lower light and temperature.
Specific Watering Techniques
The most effective method for watering a mounted staghorn fern is deep soaking, which ensures the entire root mass and mounting material are saturated completely. To begin, carefully remove the fern from its wall or hanging location. Submerge the entire root ball and any moss or growing medium into a basin, sink, or bucket filled with room-temperature water.
Allow the fern to soak for 15 to 30 minutes, which provides ample time for the substrate to fully absorb the water. After soaking, remove the fern and let it drain thoroughly. Excess water must not remain in the growing medium, as constant saturation can lead to root rot and fungal issues.
The mount should drip dry in a sink or shower for at least 30 to 60 minutes until water no longer runs freely before being returned to its display location. Misting the antler fronds provides a temporary boost in humidity but is not a primary source of hydration, as it will not penetrate the shield fronds and moss sufficiently to water the plant properly.
Seasonal and Environmental Adjustments
The watering schedule must be flexible and responsive to surrounding environmental conditions, which change throughout the year. During the summer and periods of active growth, the plant will transpire more water, often requiring weekly soaking. Conversely, during the late fall and winter, the fern enters a semi-dormant phase where light and temperature are lower, necessitating a reduction in watering to every two to three weeks.
The location of the plant also influences its hydration needs. Indoor heating and air conditioning can significantly lower ambient humidity, meaning a fern in a dry indoor environment will require more frequent watering than one kept outdoors in a humid, shaded spot. Plants positioned in brighter, indirect light will naturally dry out faster than those in shadier spots.
Furthermore, the type of material used for mounting affects water retention. A dense plug of sphagnum moss retains moisture much longer than a thin layer of material on bare wood. Monitoring these factors and observing how quickly the mount dries out allows you to fine-tune the watering frequency to prevent either dehydration or overwatering.