Staghorn fern are beautiful and unique plants that can add a touch modality of tropical elegance to any garden or indoor space . However , like any other industrial plant , they are susceptible to sure diseases , including fungal infections . One unwashed fungal infection that staghorn ferns can develop is have by rhizoctonia fungus .

When a staghorn fern is overwatered , the surplus moisture can make the arrant surroundings for the rhizoctonia fungus to thrive . This fungus come out as shameful spots or lesion on the leave of the fern . These spots may start off small and inconspicuous , but as the fungus distribute , they can grow larger and merge together , forming larger patches of discoloration .

The shameful spots triggered by rhizoctonia fungus are often irregular in shape and may have a slightly foggy or velvety grain . The affected area may also feel slenderly piano or mushy to the spot . In some cases , the black spots may also have a slimy appearance , specially if the humidness level are mellow .

As the fungus progresses , it can make the affected leaves to become weak and finally die off . If left untreated , the rhizoctonia fungus can go around to other parts of the staghorn fern , including the rootstock ( the stocky , root - similar bodily structure that attach the fern to its mounting surface ) . This can take to further damage and may even result in the expiry of the entire plant if not addressed promptly .

It ’s significant to note that not all black spots on staghorn fern leaves are due to rhizoctonia fungus . Other component , such as burn or strong-arm damage , can also get black or dark spots to seem . However , if you detect a pattern of black smirch accompanied by other symptoms like wilting or leaf discoloration , it ’s more likely to be a fungal transmission .

To reassert whether the mordant spots on your staghorn fern are cause by rhizoctonia fungus , you may take a closer look at the touched leaves . cautiously see the spots and see if they match the description of rhizoctonia fungus : irregular cast , black color , muzzy or wretched texture , and fogginess . If you ’re still timid , you could consult a local gardening expert or take a sample of the involve leaf to a plant clinic for further analytic thinking .

If you do decide that your staghorn fern has rhizoctonia fungus , it ’s significant to take straightaway action to prevent further spread and damage . Here are some steps you may take to treat the infection :

1 . Remove affect leaves : Prune off any leaves that are severely affected by the fungus . ensure to fix your pruning shears before and after each cutting to prevent spreading the infection .

2 . Improve drainage : see to it that your staghorn fern is not posture in weewee or in a location where urine tends to roll up . Proper drainage is substantive to prevent overwatering and produce a less favorable environment for the fungus to prosper .

3 . line up watering practice : Be mindful of your tearing bit and avoid overwatering your staghorn fern . appropriate the top few column inch of the growing spiritualist to dry out out before watering again . It ’s better to underwater more or less than to overwater .

4 . Increase melodic phrase circulation : Fungal infections thrive in humid and stagnant conditions . Increase zephyr circulation around your staghorn fern by send it in a well - ventilate country or using a rooter to softly move the aura around the works .

Rhizoctonia fungus on staghorn ferns appear as black berth on the leaves . These place may be temporary in shape , have a fuzzy or slimy texture , and finger soft to the touch . It ’s important to identify the fungus correctly and take prompt action to prevent further spread and legal injury . By adjusting tearing practice , improve drain , increase air circulation , and potentially using a antimycotic , you may help treat the infection and restore the wellness of your staghorn fern .

Caroline Bates