Staghorn Fern Platycerium

My Platycerium is wilting and dropping leaves. I took it to Walter Anderson's and they said that something was eating it. The fern has black spots with holes on the ferns (big fronds) and also may have mealy bugs. They said just leave it alone, but I'm afraid it's going to die. I may have watered it too much, so I'm letting it dry out, now I'm afraid it needs water but not sure if I should water it. I've had this fern for several years, and now I'm afraid I'm going to lose it. Should I use a insecticide. Help!!

hi susiwinters,

do you have a photo of it?

Yes, a photo should help. What made the nursery personnel think something is eating it? The black spotting? That is more indicative of fungal pathogens, not insect pests. How often were you watering the staghorn? What sort of exposure does it have? How long have you had it, and when did the symptoms start? With the hot weather? Or were there changes to its growing conditions?

A photo and answers to these questions will help make a more accurate diagnosis for you so you hopefully don't lose the plant.

thanks for getting back to me. I'll take a picture of the leaf. The WAN saw little holes in the black spots. That's why they said something is eating it.

I've had the plant for about 5 years, this is the first year I've had any problems with it. I recently put fertilizer in the plant, and have been watering it a tad more. Now I'm just misting and spraying the outside of the plant. I'll get a picture of it when the sun comes up.

thanks

Attached is a photo of my Staghorn. Please take note at the blackspots. My fern is dropping and wilting leaves. Thanks so much for your advice.

Hi susiwinters,

It looks like the photo didn't go through - no worries, just email it to me and I'll post it for you. Just email it to mitch@themulch.com and I'll take care of it.

thanks
Mitch