How to prune disk staghorn fern

Any time, only to remove fully dead or rotting fronds. Use clean scissors to carefully remove only fronds that are fully dead (black, slimy, or completely desiccated). Never remove silver-white or brown shield fronds as these are functional and protecting the rootball.

Rarely — as needed only. Disk Staghorn Fern needs no pruning beyond removing completely dead growth. Its silvery shield fronds are essential — they are not dead even when brown and papery, and removing them will harm the plant. Only cut fronds that are entirely black or rotting. Leave healthy and even aged shield fronds alone.

Use clean scissors to carefully remove only fronds that are fully dead (black, slimy, or completely desiccated). Never remove silver-white or brown shield fronds as these are functional and protecting the rootball.