What is the best food for Staghorns?

They can be fed by placing organic matter such as leaf litter, banana skins or compost at the back of the plant (near where it meets the backing board) or watered with a very diluted dose of SeaMax Fish & Kelp. Elkhorns and staghorns may also benefit from watering during very hot, dry periods.

Are coffee grounds good for staghorn ferns?

Up-to-date gardeners know that California’s low rainfall and alkaline soil are tough on acid-loving plants. Coffee grounds act as a mulch and soil improver. … A few staghorn owners even advocate using the entire banana, placing it into the paper-like platycerium that supports the main plant.

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.

Are banana peels good for ferns?

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. … Feed your ferns monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

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.

Why are the tips of my staghorn fern turning brown?

If the antler fronds begin to brown or blacken at the base, this is a sign of over-watering. Reduce watering to once monthly until plant shows sign of recovery. If the antler fronds begin to brown at the tips or wilt, this is a sign of under-watering. Increase watering as needed.

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. … Overwatering can also lead to fungal infections that appear as black spots on your Staghorn’s fronds.

How often should you water a staghorn fern?

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.

What does Epsom salt do for ferns?

Ferns – Epsom salts work wonders on ferns as a liquid fertilizer helping the leaves have a rich, deep dark green color. Elephant ear plants are another plant which benefits from the extra magnesium. Apply as a drench mixing 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts to 1 gallon of water.

How do you revive 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.

How do you look after staghorn?

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.

Is Miracle Grow good for ferns?

Use Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food for larger Boston ferns and those grown outdoors, and Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food for smaller indoor Boston ferns. The amount you use to fertilize your fern will vary depending on its size, so be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Is vinegar good for plants?

Though vinegar can be fatal to many common plants, others, like rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias, thrive on acidity which makes a bit of vinegar the best pick-me-up. Combine one cup of plain white vinegar with a gallon of water and use the next time you water these plants to see some amazing results.

How can I make my ferns grow bigger?

  1. Repot the ferns into large planters or hanging baskets. The ferns we buy always come in the plastic hanging baskets. …
  2. Fertilize. Ferns don’t require much fertilizer… …
  3. Water frequently, but water the right way. …
  4. Cut off any brown fronds. …
  5. Choose the right light. …
  6. Rotate occasionally. …
  7. Don’t toss the metal basket!

Do ferns like coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are not good for ferns. Using liquid coffee, used or fresh coffee grounds or any other coffee based product as fertilizer for your ferns will inhibit the growth of the plants. Coffee adds too much nitrogen to the soil for a fern. … Coffee lowers the pH value of the soil.

What is best fertilizer for ferns?

Fertilization. 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 do you make a fern bushy?

Instead, trim off the side fronds at the base. Also remove old, discolored fronds near the soil to allow new growth to come through. Remove the unsightly stems to the base as well. The remainder of the plant can be clipped along the outer edges to the desired shape.