Learn How to Grow Staghorn Fern from Spores and multiply these epiphytic plants with this challenging but rewarding method.
Native to the tropical climates of Southeast Asia, Africa, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Madagascar, and some tropical parts of the United States. Staghorn ferns (Platicerium) are epiphytes that effortlessly grow on the crooks of trees. They take moisture and nutrients from the moist air and rain. In this post, you can learn How to Grow Staghorn Fern from Spores and offsets.
Propagating Staghorn Fern
You can propagate staghorn fern from spores, as there is no option to grow this plant from seeds. Several plants are grown through seeds and flowers; these ferns are reproduced from small spores released in the air. This propagation method is difficult and slow but rewarding in the end.
How to Grow Staghorn Fern from Spores
Start collecting staghorn fern spores during summer when they are brown-black small dots from the bottom portion of the fronds. Plant these spores on the layer of well-drained potting mix like a coir-based compost or bark. You can also plant staghorn fern spores in peat containers.
Regardless of the method, it’s important to confirm that all tools, planting pots, and potting mixes are sterile. After planting staghorn fern spores, water the pot from the bottom with filtered water. Keep the potting mix lightly moist but not soaked.
Instead, you can mist the top potting media lightly with a spray bottle. Place the pot in an area with a sunny window. Be patient, as germination can take three to six months. When the spores germinate, mist them weekly with a very dilute solution of general-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer to supply essential nutrients. When the young staghorn ferns have developed several leaves, they can be transplanted into small, individual pots.
Planting Staghorn Ferns From Offsets
However, staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants; they do form roots. If you have a mature staghorn plant, then divide small offsets with the root system. This simple propagation technique includes covering the roots in damp sphagnum moss. Then, attach the small root ball to the mount.