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.
Can staghorn ferns eat banana peels?
Repeat once per month to give your staghorn fern the nutrients it needs. Set the peel from a banana down in between the moss and the board it is mounted on. Staghorn ferns don't need to eat banana peels too often so just feed the fern one banana a month.
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.
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 ferns?
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.
Do you need to feed staghorn ferns?
Fertilizing your staghorn fern will promote vigorous growth, especially in younger plants. 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.
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.
What does Epsom salt do for ferns?
They help in chlorophyll production, healthy plant growth, and resistance against diseases and pest. Both of them are required if you want to grow Lush and Green Ferns.
How often should you water a staghorn?
Proper watering is an essential component of a staghorn fern's success. They'll need frequent watering, but the base should be allowed to dry out in between—about once a week in warmer climates or during the summer months, and once every two to three weeks in cooler months.
Do staghorns like sun or shade?
Staghorn ferns need lots of bright but indirect or diffused sunlight. This is best achieved by placing them next to the brightest window in the house. All directions are fine, but west-facing windows might expose the fern to too much direct afternoon sun.
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.
Are eggshells good for staghorn ferns?
They said that the calcium in eggshells went into the water left overnight and then if put onto ferns it would make the ferns grow into beautiful plants quickly. Another interesting “fact” was that adding the brewed tea in the bags was a great addition to the soil.
Where do you put the banana peel on a staghorn?
Place the banana peels in the upright portion of the basal fronds or between the fern and its mount. 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.
How do you save a dying staghorn fern?
Here's what I would suggest. Fill the hole with sphagnum peat moss (looks like fibrous, tan moss) or homemade compost. 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.
Why do staghorn fern leaves turn 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.
How to feed a staghorn fern?
How to Use Bananas to Feed 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.
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 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 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.
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.
Do staghorns need banana peels?
Since banana peels don’t contain much nitrogen, banana-fed staghorns should also be provided with a source of nitrogen. Feed your ferns monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. If your bananas are not organic, it’s best to wash the peels before you give them to your staghorn fern. Conventional bananas are typically treated ...
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.
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 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 ...
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 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 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 ...
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.
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.
Where do staghorn ferns live?
Staghorn ferns, on the otherhand, are native to the tropics -- the species that we most commonly feature, Platycerium bifurcatum, is native to Australia. Staghorn ferns need bright, indirect or diffused light to thrive, though they must be protected from the harsh rays of the direct sun.
What are the benefits of Epsom salt for ferns?
Epsom salts, used as a liquid fertilizer, perform wonderfully on ferns, giving the leaves a rich, dark green hue. Elephant ear plants, for example, benefit from the additional magnesium. Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with 1 gallon of water and apply as a drench.
Do you give bananas to staghorn ferns?
Adding entire banana peels to at least one plant, the staghorn fern, is equally as beneficial as composting them first. By putting a full peel or even a whole banana on top of the plant, amid its fronds, you may “feed” it.
Is it necessary to water a staghorn fern on a regular basis?
Watering once a week during dry, hot months and once every two to three weeks during colder months is a reasonable rule of thumb. Start with this routine and tweak it as needed to fit your space. Water is absorbed by staghorn ferns via their fronds as well as their roots.
Do staghorn ferns prefer to be in the sun?
Staghorn Ferns like natural light, but not direct sunlight. They usually grow beneath tree canopies that offer mild shade. A house with an east, west, or south exposure is acceptable, but with these latter two, make sure your fern is at least 10 feet away from a hot window.
When should you feed your staghorn fern?
For staghorn fern feeding, a liquid diet is ideal. It’s simple to use and may be diluted to avoid burning. During the warm months, young plants may be fed once a month, and once every other month during the cooler months. Plants may survive with only one or two yearly feedings throughout the growing season after they’ve reached maturity.
Is it necessary to install a staghorn fern?
Staghorn Ferns are an Epiphyte species, which means they don’t need soil to thrive, which is why they may be hung on the wall.
Is it possible to prune a staghorn fern?
The diseased base fronds do not need to be pruned. Trim the staghorn fern’s dead and damaged leaves at any time of year. There is no optimal period for a trim since the plant does not need frequent trimming.
How to plant a staghorn fern with a banana peel?
Plant a banana peel with your staghorn. Place a banana peel between the plant and the board. If you are transplanting or starting a staghorn fern on a board, place a whole banana peel between the plant and the board. This shields the peel from pests and provides the potassium when you water the plant.
How to get potassium out of staghorn fern?
Sprinkle the dried pieces on top of the moss so the potassium leaches out whenever the plant is watered. You can also mix the pieces into the moss if you are replanting or starting a staghorn fern.
How to dry banana peel for staghorn?
You can dry the banana peel skin-down on a paper bag or scatter the macerated pieces over a plastic film or cutting board to dry the pieces. Try to prevent the banana peel from leaching into the paper bag; you'll lose the potassium that the plant needs.
How to keep a staghorn fern healthy?
The brown sterile leaves of the plant absorb moisture from the air as a means of supplying itself with water, so very dry air will not benefit the Staghorn Fern. One easy way to increase the humidity in your home is to use an electric humidifier, which releases tiny water particles into the air. This would be particularly beneficial if you have several humidity-loving houseplants.
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 temperature should I plant a staghorn fern?
Ideal daytime temperatures for this plant will be somewhere in the region of 80° F, dropping to around 60° F overnight. There are 18 varieties of Staghorn Fern, and most of these are not cold hardy, though there are some exceptions. The Platycerium alcicorne and the Platycerium hillii can tolerate occasional low temperatures of 40° F, ...
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Is staghorn fern low maintenance?
Staghorn fern is an interesting and low-maintenance addition to any home. And you can share the growing fun through propagation—remove "pups" that emerge from the main plant and pass on to friends and family. For more information about staghorn fern and other landscape plants, contact your local Extension office.
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 big do staghorn ferns get?
Staghorn ferns can grow to well over 100 pounds (45 kg), which makes them impractical for mounting. To avoid needing to remove your fern from the wall, prune it periodically as the fronds begin to overwhelm the board. Use shears to cut fronds at their base, just above the crown of the fern.
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 hang a fern on a wall?
1. Find a plank of wood larger than the base of your fern. When your fern has matured and has reached a few inches wide and tall , you can mount it on the wall. Find a piece of wood that you like the look of, and make sure it's longer and wider than the base of your fern.
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 make a fern out of wood?
Trace a circle in the middle of the wood. Use a cup or a bowl that's about the width of the base of your fern. Place it in the middle of the wood and trace a circle with a pen or marker. You can also move it a little up or down if you don't want it exactly in the middle.
How to transplant ferns in a pot?
Be careful not to destroy the root system. Put it into a 2- or 3-inch (5 or 7.5 cm) plant pot with potting soil. Use a soil similar to the makeup of African Violet potting soil, which contains extra humus. You can transplant three or four baby ferns together into the same small pot if you want to.
What is a staghorn fern?
Printer Friendly Version. Image by Silivonochka. Once rare, exotic plants found only in tropical forests, staghorn ferns are now widely available as unique, dramatic plants for the home and garden. Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, which naturally grow on trees or rocks with specialized roots ...
What is the purpose of staghorn ferns?
When a staghorn fern grows wildly in the crotch of a tropical tree or on a rock ledge, these basal fronds help collect water and fallen plant debris from tropical rains. In time, the plant debris breaks down, helping contain moisture around the plant’s roots and releasing nutrients as it decomposes.
What does it mean when a staghorn fern is brown?
While brown, dry tissue is normal on staghorn fern’s basal fronds, black or gray spots are not normal and may indicate over watering. If saturated too often, a staghorn fern’s upright fronds may also show signs of fungal rot and spore production may be disrupted. Browning along the tips of these upright fronds is normal though, ...
Can you remove brown fronds from a staghorn fern?
This is natural and not a concern, and these brown fronds should not be removed from the plant. The basal fronds are essential for meeting the water requirements for staghorn ferns. Growers often thoroughly mist the basal fronds of staghorn ferns once a week. Spray bottles may be adequate for small indoor staghorn ferns, ...
Do staghorn ferns have fronds?
Staghorn ferns also produce upright, unique fronds which resemble stag horns. The primary function of these upright fronds are reproduction, not water absorption. In the home or garden, staghorn fern water requirements may be higher, especially in times of drought and low humidity.
Do staghorn ferns need to be watered?
Natively, they grow in areas with high humidity and frequent periods of rain. In the home or landscape, these conditions may be hard to mock, and regularly watering a staghorn fern may be necessary.
Can you spray staghorn ferns?
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.
