How often should I water my fern?

Most Staghorn Ferns need water every 7 to 14 days. Always check the medium first rather than sticking to a strict calendar.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and provide a fresh, airy mounting medium to give it a clean start.

Why is my Staghorn Fern turning yellow?

Check these first

Touch the moss or medium to see if it is soggy.
Smell the base of the plant for a musty odor.
Check if the fronds feel soft or mushy.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The fronds turn yellow or mushy, and the mounting medium feels constantly soggy or smells sour. The plant may also start to detach from its mount.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the medium to dry out significantly. If the rot is advanced, remove the plant from the mount, trim away any black or mushy roots, and remount it in fresh, well draining sphagnum moss.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The water pools at the base of the mount or the medium stays wet for more than two weeks. The plant looks generally unhappy and limp.
What to do: Ensure your mount allows excess water to drain away freely after soaking. If the mount is too dense, replace some of the moss with a lighter, airier mix.

When to worry

If the base of the plant is turning black and soft, the rot may be too far gone to save. It is normal for the oldest, bottommost shield fronds to turn brown and dry up as they age.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the medium feels dry to the touch before soaking the plant again. Ensure your fern has good airflow to help it dry out between waterings.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your staghorn fern.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

How often should I water my fern?: Most Staghorn Ferns need water every 7 to 14 days. Always check the medium first rather than sticking to a strict calendar.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and provide a fresh, airy mounting medium to give it a clean start.