Planta
Back to Pests, diseases and problems

I got this staghorn/elkhorn fern a couple of weeks ago. It had a… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

Kelly

I got this staghorn/elkhorn fern a couple of weeks ago. It had a little brown spot when I bought it, but it’s spread really quickly. I’m having trouble identifying what the problem is, as google searching has just said it could be due to under watering/overwatering or freezing temps. It’s located in our bathroom near the window so it gets a lot of humidity and some indirect light, but it has been really cold here in Portland. Could that be the cause? Is it beyond saving? Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Attachment 1 of 3Attachment 2 of 3Attachment 3 of 3
2 likes 10 comments

10 comments

  1. Plantgirly

    Hey there! I also live in Pdx! (Side note you should join our fb group Planta PNW) Ferns are very sensitive! They like consistent temperatures, constant moisture, and moist, not wet soil! If your house is only warm when you guys are home for example it could be traumatic for the plant. My electric bill has been crazy to keep my collection between 70-75 degrees ALL DAY. I think she is saveable if you can provide that for her! I have also noticed a powdery white substance. Which maybe from the high humidity and lack of airflow bathrooms may have and caused mildew. You can stop this by using a spray on fungicide like arbor

    1 like
    • Kelly

      Thank you so much! Our apartment is temperature controlled, so it is always around 70 degrees except for when we have the window cracked every once in a while for airflow. It sounds like we need to keep her roots a little bit more damp than just from the humidity? I’ll definitely look into the arbor fungicide!

      0 likes
    • Plantgirly

      I think so! Just make sure it’s not too wet! YouTube is so incredibly helpful with plants as well as Reddit! This community is growing, but Reddit is already massive and they have a lot of helpful tips and tricks and myth busters

      1 like
    • Wolfen 🐺

      The white fuzzy is most likely trichomes, it's normal for them, and doesn't need to be treated.

      2 likes
    • Plantgirly

      Whoops my bad Kelly ! I’m no expert I should’ve stated that!

      1 like
    • Wolfen 🐺

      Eehhh, It's not everyday a plant is randomly fuzzy lol. This is my 2nd elephant..... so not an expert of platycerium myself

      0 likes
  2. Wolfen 🐺

    This is semi normal for them. But is usually a humidity issue. I have my platycerium in my window (WA) and they do fine. Inside temp is 60-65 normally. Up to 70-75 when its sunny

    1 like
  3. Wolfen 🐺

    Here is mine. You can see the trichomes fuzzy, and where I had to wipe some off because of the vermiculite from a beneficial bugs i spilled on it.

    Attachment 1 of 1
    1 like
  4. Wolfen 🐺

    The back side, with some browning.

    Attachment 1 of 1
    1 like
  5. Wolfen 🐺

    They do like bright light too. They say indirect, but mine gets both and seems to love it.

    1 like