How to prune crown staghorn fern

As needed, any season. Trim only fully dead or rotting fertile fronds at their base using sterile scissors or a clean knife. Shield fronds, even when brown, must never be removed as they are part of the plant's root system.

Rarely. Crown Staghorn Fern (Platycerium coronarium) needs almost no pruning. Its distinctive pendant fertile fronds and papery shield fronds should be left intact. Only remove fertile fronds that have died completely and are decomposing. This is a large, slow-growing tropical epiphyte — unnecessary cutting sets it back significantly.

Trim only fully dead or rotting fertile fronds at their base using sterile scissors or a clean knife. Shield fronds, even when brown, must never be removed as they are part of the plant's root system.