How To Feed Bananas to Staghorn Ferns
- Peel a banana and eat or discard the fruit.
- Cut the banana peel into smaller pieces with a knife to help it decompose more quickly.
- Place the banana peel pieces between the board or tree and the basal frond. ...
- Water the peel in well and water once a week to help the peel decompose.
How do you feed a staghorn fern?
Some people suggest feeding your staghorn fern by slipping a piece of banana peel under the shield frond. Mature staghorn ferns can survive with a twice-yearly feeding.
Do staghorn ferns do well in greenhouses?
Staghorn Ferns also do well in greenhouses, where humidity is higher. Fertilizer is an essential part of Staghorn Fern care.
How much should I Feed my staghorn lilies?
Once plants are mature, they can thrive with just a one or two annual feedings during the growing season. Staghorns will do well on a product with a balanced ratio, such as a 10:10:10 formula.
How do you take care of a staghorn plant?
Temperature: The most common staghorn can survive briefly freezing temperatures, but they thrive in warm, humid conditions. Soil: Young plants are potted in rich, well-drained compost. Mature plants should be mounted.
Are banana peels good for staghorn?
ANSWER: Banana peels can contribute lots of potassium and a little phosphorus to the nutrient needs of your staghorn fern. But they contain very little nitrogen, which also is needed for good growth. So go ahead, toss a few banana peels among the foliage to slowly release their nutrients.
When should I feed my staghorn fern?
Feed your staghorn fern monthly during periods of active grown (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (ratio of 1:1:1). During periods of dormancy (fall and winter), reduce fertilizing to every other month.
Do staghorn ferns eat bananas?
1:383:38How To Feed Bananas to Staghorn Ferns - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDo you want to dry out the banana peel before you feed it to the staghorn to prevent it rotting orMoreDo you want to dry out the banana peel before you feed it to the staghorn to prevent it rotting or inviting pests like fruit flies. You can try the banana peel skin down on a paper bag or scattered
How do you keep Staghorns healthy?
Care of Staghorn Ferns Good staghorn fern care requires frequent watering, but allow the plant medium to dry out in between. Fertilize them once per month with a 1:1:1 ration fertilizer diluted in water. The plant is prone to black spot, which is a fungal disease.
What is the best fertilizer for staghorns?
Staghorns will do well on a product with a balanced ratio, such as a 10:10:10 formula. If a liquid purchased product doesn't pass your organic or natural test, there are other options. Staghorn ferns and banana peels are an option that is popular. You simply put a peel under the shield leaves.
Are coffee grounds good for staghorn?
Q. Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns? In limited amounts, coffee grounds can help boost soil acidity and organic content of the growing media. But they should not be viewed as a replacement for either proper fertilization or an appropriate planting mix.
How do you make a staghorn fern grow faster?
Light Exposure. Summer growth is most rapid when your fern is exposed to indirect sunlight, such as under a shady tree or potted indoors near a north-facing window. Radiant sunlight allows the fern to maximize its photosynthesis processes without heat stress or sunscald.
Should I mist my staghorn fern?
Growers often thoroughly mist the basal fronds of staghorn ferns once a week. Spray bottles may be adequate for small indoor staghorn ferns, but large outdoor plants may need to be watered with a gentle, misting hose head. Staghorn ferns should be watered when the upright plants look slightly wilted.
How do you care for a potted staghorn fern?
Avoid direct sunlight, which is too intense. On the other hand, staghorn ferns in too much shade tend to grow slowly and are more likely to develop problems with pests or disease. Feed staghorn ferns every month during spring and summer, then cut back to every other month when growth slows in fall and winter.
Why is my staghorn fern turning brown?
If you notice that your Staghorn Fern's leaves are turning brown and crisping up, it may be due to a lack of water. Underwatering usually means your Staghorn Fern will start to develop brown leaf tips and leaf edges, and as the problem progresses, this will progress throughout the leaf.
Can you over water staghorn fern?
Since the Staghorn Fern is an epiphyte that naturally grows along tree trunks in the tropics, its roots are smaller than you might expect and are easily overwatered. This can lead to root rot and harm your plant. Keep an eye out for brown or black spots at the base of the antler fronds, which indicate overwatering.
Why is my staghorn fern dropping leaves?
It's shedding old leaves as a normal part of aging. If just one or two leaves drop now and again, this is not reason to panic. Staghorn ferns do occasionally replace their old leaves with new growth, but the other leaves should still look very healthy and the roots nice and plump.
How do you make a staghorn fern grow faster?
In terms of fertilizer, give your staghorn fern houseplant fertilizer that's been diluted to half-strength once a month or so in spring and summer. Wait six weeks between feedings during the winter months.
Should I mist my staghorn fern?
Growers often thoroughly mist the basal fronds of staghorn ferns once a week. Spray bottles may be adequate for small indoor staghorn ferns, but large outdoor plants may need to be watered with a gentle, misting hose head. Staghorn ferns should be watered when the upright plants look slightly wilted.
Can you over water staghorn fern?
Since the Staghorn Fern is an epiphyte that naturally grows along tree trunks in the tropics, its roots are smaller than you might expect and are easily overwatered. This can lead to root rot and harm your plant. Keep an eye out for brown or black spots at the base of the antler fronds, which indicate overwatering.
How do I feed my ferns?
Ferns are relatively light feeders compared to many other foliage plants. They prefer a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-10-20 or 20-20-20, with micronutrients applied at approximately 200 ppm nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can cause tip burn on the roots and leaves if the plant becomes dry.
How to fertilize a staghorn fern?
Using banana fertilizer for staghorn ferns is an easy way to maintain your plant’s health while reducing kitchen waste. Depending on the size of your fern, feed it with up to four banana peels a month to provide potassium plus smaller amounts of phosphorus and micronutrients. A banana peel is almost like a time-release fertilizer for these nutrients.
What are staghorn ferns?
Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, plants that grow on elevated surfaces away from contact with the soil. They produce two types of fronds: antler fronds, which stick out from the center of the fern, and basal fronds, which grow in overlapping layers and cling to the surface the plant is growing on.
How do staghorn ferns grow?
In this habitat, organic materials like leaf litter collect in the cup formed by the upturned basal fronds. Water washing down from the forest canopy both hydrates the fern and brings it nutrients. Organic materials falling into the cup break down and slowly release minerals for the plant to absorb.
How to get rid of fruit flies on ferns?
If you’re worried that the peel will attract fruit flies to an indoor fern, soak the peel in water for a few days, discard or compost the peel, then water the plant.
Can bananas be treated with fungicides?
Conventional bananas are typically treated with fungicides to control a damaging fungal disease. Since the peels are not considered edible, fungicides that are not permitted on edible parts may be allowed on peels. Printer Friendly Version. This article was last updated on 07/22/20. Read more about Staghorn Ferns.
Can you feed bananas to a plant?
You can “feed” a whole peel or even a whole banana to the plant by placing it on top of the plant, among its fronds.
How to get rid of staghorn fern?
Soaking your staghorn fern. Soak your staghorn fern in a sink or basin of water for 10-20 minutes, or until the roots are fully saturated.
How to keep a staghorn fern from misting?
If your staghorn fern is in a space where it receives lots of ambient humidity, like a bathroom, you’ll probably be able to reduce your misting and watering. More light or heat = more watering. During the summer, be especially attentive to your stag.
What is the second type of staghorn fern?
The second type of staghorn fern frond is called the shield frond. These are the round, hard plate-like leaves that surround the base of the plant. Their function is to protect the plant roots, and take up water and nutrients. These fronds start out green, but eventually turn brown and dry up. This is a totally normal part of the staghorn fern life-cycle -- in fact, this is one of the most common misconceptions in staghorn fern care. A brown shield frond does not mean your staghorn fern is dying, and dried shield fronds should never be removed!
How many species of staghorn fern are there?
There are about 12,000 fern species, and ferns are amongst the most ancient plants.
What are staghorn fern leaves called?
Fern leaves are actually called fronds , and staghorn ferns have two types. The first, and most prominent, is the “antler” frond - these are the large, bifurcated leaves that shoot out of the center of the plant, and from which staghorn ferns get their names, since they resemble the antlers of deer or moose.
Why is my staghorn fern not growing?
Under and over-watering are the most common causes of staghorn fern failure. There is no hard and fast rule as to how often a staghorn fern will need watering - the amount of light, humidity and heat they receive in your home will dictate your watering schedule. However, here are a few rules that tend to work well for us:
What is the final part of a staghorn fern?
The final part of the staghorn fern is the root ball. Since stags are epiphytes, their root systems are fairly minimal, and help the plant attach to its home. Because the roots are so minimal, staghorn ferns need extensive drainage and are particularly susceptible to root rot.
How often should I water a staghorn fern?
Water your staghorn fern once per week. In the summer you may need to increase this to twice per week. Just be careful you do not overwater your staghorn, which is a commonly made mistake. The scientific name for the staghorn fern is Platycerium holtummii.
What is the scientific name for a staghorn fern?
The scientific name for the staghorn fern is Platycerium holtummii. Staghorn ferns are tropical perennials that are usually placed in moss and hung on wooden boards. The staghorn fern grows sideways unlike your average ferns. If you have a staghorn fern, you will need to know how to water and feed it. Surprisingly, one of the things staghorn ferns ...
How many times do staghorn ferns molt?
They will molt several times before reaching their adult forms; females molt twice, males molt four times. Pressurized water can be sprayed at the scale to dislodge them, but don't injure the staghorn fern. Apply these chemicals only as a last resort and when temperatures are below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are scale insects on ferns?
Scale Insects On Staghorn Ferns. Scale insects are small, largely immobile insects that are often confused for growths on a plant's leaves or branches. The male's white armor remains attached to the fern even after he's emerged as a mobile adult, making a fern scale infestation seem much larger than it actually is.
How to propagate staghorn fern?
Staghorn ferns can be propagated by spore or division. Large, mature staghorn can be easily divided into smaller plants, and even small "chunks" that include a leaf and a bit of root ball can be potted individually. Make sure new divisions are kept warm and moist until they are growing independently.
What does a staghorn fern look like?
Jon VanZile is a Master Gardener and the author of "Houseplants for a Healthy Home.". Staghorn ferns look very much like deer or elk antlers, hence their unusual name. Native to Asia and Australia, the plants are part of the Polypodiaceae family—they grow slowly, but end up being quite large and impressive once mature.
Why do staghorn ferns have black spots?
More frequently, you'll see black spot on a staghorn fern, directly related to too much humidity or traveling spores.
How to increase humidity around plants?
To increase the humidity around your plant, try placing it in one of the more naturally humid areas of your home, such as the bathroom or kitchen. If that doesn't work, increase the humidity around the plant by using a small-scale humidifier or spritzing the plant periodically .
Do staghorn ferns need moss?
Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, growing on the sides of trees or other plants in the wild, and will therefore thrive in similar conditions in your home. To mount, you'll need a starting lump of peat, compost, moss, or other organic matter to act as the base, but beyond that should not need additional soil.
Can staghorn ferns be kept in shade?
Staghorn ferns prefer to be kept in a location that boasts consistent, shaded light. That being said, they can handle more sunlight if given enough water, warmth, and humidity. Just be cautious about allowing any direct rays to hit the fragile fronds, as they can burn easily.
What is the best medium for a staghorn fern?
Many people choose to mount their Staghorn Fern on a wooden board or hang it from a wide basket. In these instances, sphagnum moss is generally the best growing medium. Fix it to your board or basket with wires, and then, securely attach your plant on top of this.
What is a staghorn fern?
The Staghorn Fern is an unusual plant, being both an air plant and a fern, though it bears little resemblance to most ferns. In its natural environment of tropical forests, the plant grows on tree trunks or rocks, absorbing moisture from the humid air and collecting nutrients from the falling leaves of overhead trees.
What is a sterile fern?
The sterile leaves are also referred to as shield leaves, as they grow around the root ball, protecting it. When the Staghorn Fern is grown as a houseplant or outside in a garden, the way you water it will depend on the growing medium you have used. In most instances, the plant will be growing on sphagnum moss.
How do you know if a staghorn fern needs water?
In order to understand the watering requirements of the Staghorn Fern, you need to understand a little about the science of the plant and how it absorbs moisture and nutrients. The Fern has two types of leaves: fertile and sterile. On a mature Staghorn Fern, it is easy to quickly distinguish between the two because the fertile leaves are the long antler-shaped green leaves, while the sterile leaves are the brown and dry looking leaves at the base of the plant.
Why are my staghorn ferns' leaves brown?
On younger plants, the sterile leaves start out pale green, but as they age, it is normal for them to become brown and look almost dead. They fulfill a very important purpose to the survival of the plant, so it’s vital that you don’t remove the brown leaves. The primary function of the fertile leaves is reproduction. They produce spores from which new Staghorn Ferns can be grown. The sterile leaves are how the plant feeds itself and protects itself. In its natural habitat, the brown leaves would catch falling debris and foliage from other plants, which, over time, would decompose and release nutrients that would be absorbed by the plant.
Why don't you remove brown leaves from a staghorn fern?
They fulfill a very important purpose to the survival of the plant, so it’s vital that you don’t remove the brown leaves. The primary function of the fertile leaves is reproduction. They produce spores from which new Staghorn Ferns can be grown. The sterile leaves are how the plant feeds itself and protects itself.
How to treat a plant with sterile leaves?
You could use a few ice cubes each week as a watering method; as they melt, they will gradually water the plant, ensuring that the soil never becomes too wet. As the sterile leaves also absorb moisture, you can spray them with a water mist to water the plant, but be careful not to mist the fertile leaves. Sitting water on the fertile leaves can block their pores and interfere with the production of spores.
How to protect staghorn fern from frost?
Keep in mind, staghorn fern will need protection from any freezing temperatures. Mounting your staghorn somewhere protected, like under a tree or on a porch, will help protect it from frosts. However, gardeners in North and Central Florida should bring their ferns inside when extremely cold temperatures are expected, if possible.
How many species of staghorn fern are there?
Staghorn fern is a member of the Polypodiaceae family; there are presently eighteen known species, as well as many varieties and hybrids of this plant.
Is staghorn fern easy to grow?
While some species of staghorn fern can be a bit difficult to care for, these two species are low-maintenance and commonly grown. Other easy-to-grow species of staghorn fern are P. alcicorne and P. hillii.
Can staghorn ferns survive in cold weather?
Staghorn fern flourishes in warm, humid climates and should be protected from cold conditons. It's generally considered a tender plant; most species can't tolerate temperatures below 55°F. However, Platycerium bifurcatum and Platycerium veitchii can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F. While some species of staghorn fern can be a bit difficult to care for, these two species are low-maintenance and commonly grown. Other easy-to-grow species of staghorn fern are P. alcicorne and P. hillii.
Can staghorn ferns survive freezing temperatures?
Keep in mind, staghorn fern will need protection from any freezing temperatures. Mounting your staghorn somewhere protected, like under a tree or on a porch, will help protect it from frosts. However, gardeners in North and Central Florida should bring their ferns inside when extremely cold temperatures are expected, if possible. ...
Is staghorn fern a tropical plant?
Staghorn Ferns. Once an uncommon plant find, staghorn fern ( Platycerium spp.) is now quite popular and widely available. Beginner (or easily-distracted) gardeners in Florida should consider growing this fascinating tropical plant. Staghorn fern thrives in Florida's heat and humidity; it grows quite well in South Florida ...
Can you overwater a fern?
As far as irrigation is concerned, be sure not to overwater your plant. Since it can be hard to tell how moist or dry the planting medium is, it's best to wait until your fern wilts slightly before watering. Where a wilting fern will where quickly recover with water, an overwatered fern will rot and die.
What is a staghorn fern?
Staghorn ferns (Platycerium bifurcatum) are not your ordinary dainty woodland plants. With wide, flat fronds resembling green elk or deer antlers, these large tropical plants are epiphytes, meaning they don't grow in soil but on other plants.
How many peels of staghorn ferns per month?
Staghorn ferns can decompose four to eight peels per month and can be fed with the peels at any time throughout the year. Warnings. Bananas and banana peels can attract flies as they decompose. Writer Bio.
How to make a staghorn fern out of banana peel?
Place the banana peel pieces between the board or tree and the basal frond. Use a bamboo pole or similar object and put a whole banana peel on its tip to lift it up to a staghorn fern mounted high on a tree.
Where do organic materials collect in a plant?
Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and above -- organic materials collect in the upright basal fronds, a short frond produced where the plant connects to its host, feeding the plant as they decompose.
What is a staghorn fern?
This article has been viewed 154,595 times. Staghorn ferns are large antler-shaped ferns that hang on the sides of trees, and they make stunning displays when mounted on the wall inside your home. Propagating fern spores is time-consuming, but it is possible to do it yourself.
How to get rid of spores on ferns?
Scrape spores off the bottom of a fern leaf. Hold a leaf from a Staghorn fern over a white piece of paper, bottom side up. Use a butter knife to gently scrape off the little brown dots all over the bottom of the leaf. Once you have a pile about the size of a quarter, you can stop.
How to spread fern spores evenly?
Gently shake the paper and move it around over the container to spread the spores evenly across the mixture. You may need to scrape some of the spores off the paper with the butter knife. To avoid contaminating the fern spores when you're planting them, make sure your hands and clothes are clean.
How to avoid contaminating ferns?
To avoid contaminating the fern spores when you're planting them, make sure your hands and clothes are clean. Only use tools and containers that have been sterilized with 5-10 percent bleach.
How to get spores to grow in your house?
Find a place in your home where the spores will receive a little light all day, but no direct sunlight. They need to stay moderately cool while they propagate. Off to the side near a window will work, just be sure the light never lands directly on the container. ...
How to get rid of a fungus in a container?
Only use tools and containers that have been sterilized with 5-10 percent bleach. Place the container in a cool, dimly lit spot. Find a place in your home where the spores will receive a little light all day, but no direct sunlight. They need to stay moderately cool while they propagate.
How to make a moss propagator?
3. Create a propagator with a plastic box, perlite, and peat moss. Any plastic container with a tight-fitting lid will do, just be sure it will fit in your microwave. Then add a 1- to 2-inch (2.5 to 5 cm) layer of fine perlite, followed by a 2- to 3-inch (5 to 7.5 cm) layer of peat moss.
