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Staghorn Ferns

Q.Can I Trim The Antlers All Down To Their Bases On A Large, 60 Year Old Stag Horn Fern In Order To Ship It?

Zone 94116 | Anonymous added on August 17, 2023 | Answered

I’m moving from San Francisco, CA to Vero Beach, FL. From my research, it appears that staghorns do well in Vero Beach. This one is sort of a member of the family since it’s been around longer than I have so I don’t want to damage it. I can ship it as-is, but it will be outrageously expensive. Trimming the antlers would make it less expensive.

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GKH_Susan
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on August 19, 2023

They won't tolerate severe pruning, which is what you are suggesting. Plus, they won't be able to photosynthesize without leaves. Dead or damaged fronds can be removed at any time. You can divide a staghorn, if that helps.

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/staghorn-fern.html

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/staghorn-fern/dividing-staghorn-ferns.htm

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