New to forum and orchids - Orchid Board

vickyrowe · #1 11-02-2008, 01:37 PM

Hi - I"m new to this forum. Two weeks ago I purchased a Staghorn fern. I had no idea how to take care of it - I just love how it looks. It is in "soil" in a small pot. The leaves are drooping down the side - that's how they looked when I bought it. Now they are turning brown. I have looked on line and it seems these ferns like to be outside in a tree or hanging basket. Also, it seems they don't like soil. I"m confused since I bought it like this from a nursery. Is there a way to keep this fern on my cocktail table (diffused light) and keep it healthy?

neb · #2 11-02-2008, 04:49 PM

Welcome to the board. There are manny people here who can be a great help with orchids but your plant is a fern. I hope some one will offer some tips for you all i can offer is a link ot a web site that can tell you how to mount it
How to Mount a Staghorn Fern

Chubidubi · #3 11-02-2008, 05:59 PM

vickyrowe

kiki-do · #4 11-02-2008, 06:05 PM

Hi Vickyrowe!

I too have a Staghorn fern but I don't know what to tell you as mine is small and new also. I lost one once because I was told not to overwater, and that they don't like sun. Someone here on OB told me that was wrong. I wish I could remember who it was to ask him myself how to grow them. They don't like direct light and they don't like to be overwet, but other than that, I am as green at it as you are.

vickyrowe · #5 11-02-2008, 08:50 PM

Geez...I knew it was a fern since I researched it a little - I just wasn't thinking...

guess you can tell I have no green thumb. Thanks to all of you for responding though.

CoolPhrog · #6 11-02-2008, 11:34 PM

Hi Vicky! Welcome to the board!

I have a large staghorn that usually lives in my side yard in a very shady area. No direct sunlight at all and I water it every week with my left over RO water and MSU fertilizer from the orchids...I too bought mine in a pot with potting soil. I removed it from that and dumped the dirt...it's now in a hanging metal basket (with no coconut liner) and has started growing into a perfect ball. As with orchids, the key is watering regularly, good drainage and good air circulation. Some types of these ferns can actually take colder temps as low as 35 F for at least a couple of nights. Right now mine is about 4 feet in diameter which makes it kinda difficult to get it through the doors when we have to bring it in!!!!

Hope this helps! Keep us posted!

vickyrowe · #7 11-03-2008, 11:37 AM

Hi Irphrog and thank you for the info! This is exactly what I"m going to do this week. Dump my soil! I bought this fern for inside but I suspect now that I need to place it outside and buy something new for my table. Since I live in Atlanta and the temps can get low, should I just hang it in my basement during the Winter.. In a window that gets medium light?