Staghorn Fern Platycerium

Thanks for this info. I have a few questions.

What do I do if I find bugs, do I use an insecticide.

What do I do if I find bacterial infection. Do I cut it out.

Shall I plant it in a hanging basket.

Thanks for all of your help. God Bless you.

If you find bacterial infection, do cut it out.

If you find bugs, don't spray just yet. Let me know that you found something--what they look like, how many, etc., before doing anything. An insecticide will further stress the plant, which is something you don't want to do right now.

Staghorn ferns are ephiphytes, which means they grow on other plants and in their native habitat don't grow in soil--which is why you usually see them mounted. If you want to plant your staghorn in a hanging basket, do so in a wire basket lined with sphagnum moss or coir. Such material keeps the soil in and prevents conditions from becoming too wet. Use a fast draining potting soil as well. You can keep the plant in the hanging basket until it starts to recover and at that point remount it.

You are welcome! God bless you, too!

thanks so much. I have a feeling I have been water too much. I let you know what happens after I take it down. Thanks a mil.

I took my staghorn off the tree. It's not wet, but there were a lot of ants. The moss is very dry. Do you think it will be okay. Should I water it now. I'm afraid to do anything.

Hello,

If the moss is dry, do water. Soak the plant thoroughly. The best approach with staghorns is to wait until they are nearing dryness and then to soak them well and then hold off until they approach dryness again. You will do harm to staghorns by watering them a little bit often.

You mentioned the plant having mealybugs, didn't you? The ants are probably there to get the sweet sap created by them. When you water, you will rinse off ants and mealybugs. The watering will also rinse out any excess fertilizer that may be lingering. Wipe out any mealybugs you see as well.

I would also rehang it in another location if possible once you water it.

This heatwave isn't helping most plants. Once you water, you may want to just wait the heatwave out before dividing it and repotting, if you haven't already done so.