Staghorn Fern

Bright, indirect light, similar to what it would get high in a forest canopy. Avoid deep shade, which encourages disease, and direct harsh sun, which scorches the fronds.

Prefers moderate to high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby) - it absorbs atmospheric moisture through its fronds. misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) helps in dry indoor environments.

Not grown in soil. Mount on a wooden board or in a wire basket with sphagnum or peat moss as the growing medium. Good drainage and air circulation around the roots are essential.

Scale insects and mealybugs are the most common pests. Avoid oil-based pest treatments, which damage the fronds - try hand-picking or a strong water spray first, then insecticidal soap only if necessary. Black spot disease occurs when humidity is too high with poor air circulation. Never remove the brown shield fronds; they are alive and functional even when they look dead.