Buying guide

Buy a Staghorn Fern Online: Sizes, What to Check, and Where to Buy

By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated 21 Oct 2026 · How we research · Report an error

Staghorn ferns grow antler-shaped fronds and are usually mounted on boards as living wall art. They are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Is a staghorn fern right for you?

It suits you if you can give it bright indirect light and you are happy to water soak the mount every 1-2 weeks; let it dry slightly between. Difficulty: Moderate. It is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so it is a good choice for pet homes. Not sure? Try the Plant Finder.

Similar plants to consider: Peace Lily, Calathea, Philodendron Birkin, String of Pearls.

Sizes and what you will receive

Online shops sell plants by nursery pot diameter: about 4 in (small, shelf), 6 in (desk or table), 8-10 in (small floor plant) and 12 in and up (floor statement). Height varies a lot within one pot size, so read the listed height too. A mature staghorn fern can reach 2-3 ft across and growth is slow, so a smaller plant will take time to fill out; buy closer to the size you want.

What to check when buying: a healthy staghorn fern

• Firm, evenly colored leaves with no mushy stems at the soil line.
• Soil that is not sour-smelling or waterlogged when it arrives.
• No webbing, sticky residue or tiny moving insects under the leaves.
• Roots, if you peek, that are pale and firm rather than brown and soft.

Problems to know about before buying:

• Black spots at the base: Overwatering.
• Wilted fronds: Too dry.
• Pale fronds: Too little light.

Prices

We do not quote prices until we have checked them. They change with pot size, season and sales. To compare fairly, compare the same pot size and check whether a decorative pot and shipping are included.

Shipping and seasonal risks

Tropical plants like this one suffer below about 50°F (10°C). In winter, order from a shop that adds heat packs or holds shipments in freezing weather, and bring the box inside as soon as it arrives. Summer heat in a delivery truck can also damage plants, so avoid long weekends in transit.

Your first week after delivery

1. Unbox right away and photograph any damage; most guarantees need photos within a set window.
2. Water only if the soil is dry; many plants arrive already moist.
3. Give it bright indirect light, but avoid harsh direct sun for a few days.
4. Keep it away from other plants for one to two weeks in case of pests.
5. Wait two to four weeks before repotting. Full care guide: Staghorn Fern care.

Where to buy a staghorn fern online, and why

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