Stag horn fern dark leaves

[Asparrow]

Hi. I just inherited this beauty but she needs some TLC.

She has lived on Pine Island Florida her entire life. She has been kept in direct light, not watered excessively (maybe not enough), and fed bananas periodically. I tossed in a banana and now also have ants in there.

I’m concerned about the very dark leaves as I’ve read it might be cause for concern. Would appreciate some insight.

 

[Marck]

Greetings, welcome to the Forums.

Overall, this Staghorn Fern (Platycerium sp.) appears to be healthy.

Some of the browning on the leaves is due to age and wear-and-tear. As long as over the course of a year, the plant produces more leaves than it loses, there is no cause for alarm.

Also some of the leaves are fertile leaves that are producing spores. This is best seen in the fifth photo and the bottom of the sixth photo. This is a normal part of the fern reproductive cycle.

 

[DrCase]

I just cut off any old or damaged leaves that don’t look perfect.
crumble them up and stuff them back into the plant

 

[Asparrow]

Greetings, welcome to the Forums.

Overall, this Staghorn Fern (Platycerium sp.) appears to be healthy.

Some of the browning on the leaves is due to age and wear-and-tear. As long as over the course of a year, the plant produces more leaves than it loses, there is no cause for alarm.

Also some of the leaves are fertile leaves that are producing spores. This is best seen in the fifth photo and the bottom of the sixth photo. This is a normal part of the fern reproductive cycle.

 

[Asparrow]

Greetings, welcome to the Forums.

Overall, this Staghorn Fern (Platycerium sp.) appears to be healthy.

Some of the browning on the leaves is due to age and wear-and-tear. As long as over the course of a year, the plant produces more leaves than it loses, there is no cause for alarm.

Also some of the leaves are fertile leaves that are producing spores. This is best seen in the fifth photo and the bottom of the sixth photo. This is a normal part of the fern reproductive cycle.

Thank you so much for easing my mind!

 

[Nasir]

Hi. I just inherited this beauty but she needs some TLC.

She has lived on Pine Island Florida her entire life. She has been kept in direct light, not watered excessively (maybe not enough), and fed bananas periodically. I tossed in a banana and now also have ants in there.

I’m concerned about the very dark leaves as I’ve read it might be cause for concern. Would appreciate some insight

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium Bifurcatum) Indoor Care Guide​

Staghorn Ferns, botanical name Platycerium bifurcatum, are tropical epiphytes native to Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The term “Staghorn” came about because they look like deer antlers formed from green-grey leaves, so it’s no surprise that people sometimes call them “Elkhorn Ferns” or “Common Staghorn Fern.”
Here is a link

Staghorn Fern (Platycerium Bifurcatum) Indoor Care Guide - Brainy Gardener

Learn how to take care of your Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) with this easy-to-follow guide. From watering and fertilizing to potting and repotting, we've got you covered!

brainygardener.com

Also here is the video link