Question
Hi Dan,  upon review of numerous websites I think I may know what my staghorns problem is but am not certain how to remedy the situation.  You, are obviously the "staghorn Fern guru" so I'm hoping you can help. Nellie ( yes that is her name) is @ 3' in diameter. She lived happily under a tree for years and incurred no health problems UNTILL we moved. My mistake- I've had her hanging in our atrium for @6 months and she has developed a soggy, black ball and recently I noticed some white spots popping out. We live in FL and it's been a very wet summer so far. She is still growing new leaves but they turn brown and fall off. Currently she still has @ 20 good green leaves remaining so I moved her out of the atrium to a less humid spot, much better air circulation, northern exposure & under an oak tree. I think what i need is an organic fungicide, non oil based?  Or another option was a copper fungicide? Geez, I'm so confused and I don't want to do more harm than good so I would appreciate any advice you could offer as I refuse to give up on her. Thank you!

Answer
I guess I have developed somewhat of a reputation, haven't I?

It is true that most my questions revolve around Staghorns. I believe that due to their longevity, people develop a greater emotional attachment and are willing to extend more efforts to preserve and protect them.

Naturally, a photo would help me better address your problem.  However, from your description and my experience, I can say with quite a bit of certainty that your plant had become afflicted with bacterial blight followed by a secondary fungal infection.

Copper funginicides are probably the oldest trick in the book and may be effective in eradicating the fungus and preventing the external spread of further infection.  Where fungicides are concerned, I should also advise you to read and follow the consumer labeling, as there are inherent risks to the use of any such products.

Unfortunately, a bacterial blight is likely to have already moved into the plant's vascular system.  If this is the case, then it cannot be eradicated, only (possibly) contained.

Indeed, an environment that is less condusive (not as tepid and humid) can help the plant recover and possibly overcome.  Depending on how bad your infection, this may or may not work.

At some point, you may wish to consider separating a pup from the motherplant (one that appears clean and uninfected) and re-mounting it on a new slab.  There are plenty of web references on how to do that but I can provide further help, if that is what you choose to do.

Staghorns are quite sluggish and sturdy.  That means that even the worst afflictions may take a long time to become terminal.  If you think it looks happier in its new location, just go with your instinct.  It may always surprise us and fully recover.

DC