UK compost
What compost for wallichii staghorn fern in the UK?
Platycerium wallichii
More about wallichii staghorn fern in the UK
Which compost wallichii staghorn fern needs
For wallichii staghorn fern the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost. The most successful method is mounting on a slice of cork bark or hardwood with a generous layer of moist sphagnum moss behind the shield fronds. If potted, use a very open mix of coarse orchid bark and sphagnum. Never plant in standard potting compost.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows wallichii staghorn fern perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Wallichii Staghorn Fern is straightforward: an ordinary peat-free multipurpose compost is right. For a big specimen or a pot it will live in for years, mixing in some loam-based John Innes No.2 or No.3 adds weight and holds nutrients longer. Ericaceous compost is not needed unless a plant is specifically a lime-hater.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the wallichii staghorn fern soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Wallichii Staghorn Fern in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for wallichii staghorn fern in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost. The most successful method is mounting on a slice of cork bark or hardwood with a generous layer of moist sphagnum moss behind the shield fronds. If potted, use a very open mix of coarse orchid bark and sphagnum. Never plant in standard potting compost. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for wallichii staghorn fern?
Yes. A good peat-free multipurpose compost is exactly right for wallichii staghorn fern. For a large or long-term pot you can mix in some John Innes No.2 or No.3 (loam-based) for extra weight and staying power.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow wallichii staghorn fern perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does wallichii staghorn fern need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does wallichii staghorn fern need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Mounted on cork or hardwood with sphagnum moss. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More wallichii staghorn fern care
See the full wallichii staghorn fern care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.