Temperature: 60º to 85º F. Survives temperatures well above and below but growth slows or stops altogether.

Feed: 100 to 150 ppm on constant feed (15-5-15) with available Ca & Mg. pH around 6. Tip: During the winter staghorn ferns are much happier if the fertilizer is cut way back.

Water: more ferns are harmed by overwatering than holding back on the water. Water well then allow to dry completely before watering again.

Potting Mix: this is often dictated by what is available locally. The key elements are low salts and excellent drainage. Some peat helps to retain fertilizer salts and keep water available to the root hairs.

Pest Control: Talstar® + Orthene® works well as a preventative program for aphids or scale during the warm months.

Container: usually grown as a large table fern or mounted on a board. For mounting use either redwood or cedar boards, or make an open box with 3" sides. Fill the box with long fiber moss and fasten the staghorn in with heavy fishing monofilament.