By Jennifer Tseng

Humans are inherently social creatures. We thrive on connection and community just as much as we rely on air to breathe. A study from the American Heart Association revealed that keeping a pet can potentially lower our mortality rate by 24%. Yet, in a fast-paced world where time is often in short supply, more and more of us are finding solace in a new form of companionship: plant parenting. 

Now, not only are we on a lookout for a green, leafy buddy, we need one that is low maintenance—bringing all the joy and benefits of nurturing life and none of the fuss. This fueled the rising popularity of ferns, hardy plants that have been around since the age of dinosaurs. After all, if they could survive an apocalypse, they can certainly survive your living room. Hopefully. 

The fronds of the plant echo the strength and elegance of elk antlers._Public Domain

In History and Tradition

Ferns have always held a special place in mythology. In Native American culture, they are seen as symbols of water, representing life, rebirth, and new beginnings.

In the Victorian era, these fronds were thought to hold magical powers that could attract fairies and bring wisdom, happiness, and good luck into homes. This fascination, known as Pteridomania or fern fever, swept through England in the 1850s, leading nearly every household to proudly display potted ferns.

During that time, countless books were published on the subject, flower gardens were transformed into ferneries, and the delicate fronds became popular motifs adorning everything from dresses and tea sets to chandeliers and even tombstones. 

A Victorian trade card featuring a fern motif, circa 1900. _Public Domain

Though the craze has since faded, these resilient plants continue to be well-loved for their simple beauty. Among the estimated 15,000 fern species worldwide, the staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum), with its distinctive, antler-like fronds, remains an enduring favorite. 

Symbolizing strength, determination, and pride, elk antlers traditionally reflect the animal’s deep bond with the natural world and the continuous cycle of life. The staghorn fern brings a touch of that exotic, wild elegance into your home while offering a whimsical nod to the vintage charm of taxidermy deer heads.

Care and Maintenance

Native to the tropical rainforests of Australia, Africa, and the Americas, these exotic ferns grow epiphytically—meaning they do not root in the soil but instead attach themselves to the surfaces of other plants. The higher they ascend on the shoulders of these tree giants, the better their chances of accessing the sunlight essential for their survival. 

As an epiphyte, staghorn ferns grow on the trunks of host trees without harming them._Public Domain

Mounting

To replicate their natural environment, don’t keep your staghorn fern in a pot—mount them on organic materials like driftwood, bark, or garden moss using fishing wire. Keep in mind that if you want to avoid the hassle of replacing mounting boards, start with one that is at least twice the size of the fern’s base. Though staghorn ferns grow slowly, they can become quite large over time.

Sunlight

Staghorn ferns thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Keep your fern away from the harsh rays of direct sun as it can scorch the fronds. An ideal spot for them is near an east or west-facing window in your living room or on a balcony. While insufficient light won’t necessarily kill your plant, it can lead to stunted growth. If natural light is limited in your home, it may be worth it to invest in an LED grow light. 

Mounted on a woodblock, staghorn ferns offer versatile décor that enhances any interior design._Pegasene/Shutterstock

Humidity

Like all ferns, your green buddy thrives in humid and moisture-rich environments. It absorbs water through both its fronds and roots, so make sure to keep a spray bottle handy to mist the plant throughout the day. Then, once a week in the summer or twice a week in colder weather, soak the root ball of your plant in a sink filled with room temperature water for about 5 minutes, or until the mounting moss is fully saturated. 

Fertilizing  

You can “feed” your staghorn fern up to four banana peels a month. Rich in potassium, manganese, and phosphorus, banana peels provide essential nutrients for houseplants. Staghorn ferns naturally form a bowl-like shape with their fronds to collect and decompose organic material. Placing whole banana peels among the fronds mimics this process, delivering a steady stream of vital nutrients to your plant.

The staghorn fern needs plenty of space as it can grow up to four feet tall._Public Domain

Benefits of a Staghorn Fern and Why You Need One

Beyond its captivating beauty and quiet companionship, keeping a staghorn fern can actually benefit your health. Their large, lush fronds act as natural air purifiers, filtering out toxins commonly found in the home like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene while releasing oxygen to freshen up your living space. In dry climates, a staghorn fern also functions as a natural humidifier, helping to maintain a comfortable humidity level even with heaters running in the winter.

The best part? Staghorn ferns effortlessly blend into any home decor, whether your style is minimalistic, rustic, or bohemian. Their vibrant green fronds add a lively splash of color to neutral rooms, while their organic shapes soften sharp lines and bring a touch of natural elegance to your space.

Whether you’re smitten by its magical charm or its exotic beauty, a staghorn fern is a delightful way to embrace nature’s timeless beauty. Invite one into your home and watch it turn your space into a vibrant oasis of lush greenery and effortless elegance. And since these hardy ferns survived dinosaur extinction, keeping them happy should be a breeze.