Question
I have a large 12 yr old staghorn fern that was doiong well, hanging from a low tree branch.  2 mos ago, I backed my car into the fern and it fell about 3 ft to the ground.  We then moved it to hang from a higher tree branch with similar light and water exposure.  A few wks after this happened, leaves started falling, and this has continued, so that now much of the plant has very sparse growth, even though there are portions with healthy appearing and denser leaves.

We thought maybe when the plant fell parts of the base cracked and water is accumulating in those areas.  Do you have any other ideas or suggestions?  We can send a photo...

Thanks,
Jennifer

Answer
Jennifer hi;

Obviously, a photo would help.

My gut instinct tells me that a large part of the fern had become broken or dislodged (internally) and that what you are seeing is a delayed reaction to the fall.

Over time, you should be fine.

My second guess is that something had changed in the conditions, though they appear similar.  You mention the same 'water exposure'.  Can you expand on this?  Perhaps it was catching some stray water from the sprinklers and is not doing so, now?  

If indeed water was accumulating, you would see and smell definite black rot on the fallen leaves and inside the plant.

For a better answer, please send a photo (do you have before and after?) and try to ask yourself what else may have changed due to the fall.

Again, for lack of evidence of any other cause (rot, disease, insect, lack of or too much water,) I tend to think your plant will be just fine.

DC