How to prune cyclops staghorn fern

Any time of year as dead fronds appear. Use clean scissors to cut dead fertile fronds at their base. Leave all shield fronds — brown or green — entirely intact. Avoid disturbing the rhizome or root mass behind the shield.

As needed — rarely. Cyclops Staghorn Fern (Platycerium ridleyi) is a rare epiphytic fern needing minimal pruning. Remove dead or dying fertile fronds at their base only. Never remove the nest (shield) fronds even when they turn brown — they are structurally and nutritionally vital. This fern manages its own form without intervention.

Use clean scissors to cut dead fertile fronds at their base. Leave all shield fronds — brown or green — entirely intact. Avoid disturbing the rhizome or root mass behind the shield.