The tropical staghorn fern is an epiphytic or epiphytic plant, meaning it grows as a guest on another plant. It is not a parasite because it does not feed on the plant on which it lives.
How often and with what substrate should the staghorn fern be repotted?
You should repot the staghorn fern about every 3 to 5 years or reattach it to a rough surface such as wood, natural cork or tree bark. Ideally use orchid soil or alternatives such as coconut fiber, bark mulch or a mixture of 2/3 potting soil or sphagnum moss and 1/3 peat.
Does my staghorn fern even need a pot?
If the staghorn fern is kept as a houseplant, it can either be kept in a pot or rooted on a rough surface such as wood, natural cork or tree bark. The decision is entirely up to you and your preferences. However, caring for the staghorn fern also depends on how you keep it. Because it needs to be regularly supplied with enough water. Water supply is often easier in a pot.
Which pot is suitable for the staghorn fern?
The staghorn fern does not develop taproots that grow deep down, but rather ones that grow rather broadly. Accordingly, a shallow pot or bowl is sufficient for the staghorn fern. You are welcome to plant your staghorn fern in a flat hanging basket. As a substrate, use orchid soil, coconut fiber or a mixture of sphagnum moss or potting soil and peat. Bark compost or bark mulch is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
How often do I have to repot my staghorn fern?
Repotting is always necessary when your staghorn fern is no longer stable or the substrate is slowly dissolving. Even if this isn't the case, you should repot your staghorn fern about every three to five years. The same applies if you grow your staghorn fern on a piece of tree bark or other substrate.
Do this carefully so as not to injure the roots. This can sometimes be difficult because the roots of the staghorn fern cling to the subsoil or substrate. Place your staghorn fern on a new piece of bark or trunk, then you should tie it up there again.
The most important things in brief:
- choose a flat pot
- Substrate of first choice: orchid soil
- Alternatives: coconut fiber, bark mulch, 2/3 potting soil or sphagnum moss and 1/3 peat
- ideal for hanging baskets
- repot or re-tie about every 3 to 5 years
Tip
You don't have to repot or move your staghorn fern very often, but you should think about it about every three to five years.
