Question
I have a staghorn fern in my office that I have been nuturing for years.  One of the staff decided the white fuzz was dust and scrubbed it off.  Is it going to die?  Suggestions, help!  I am devastated.  She scrubbed it with a towel...hard.

Answer
Hi Rivka,

Oy! Why do people take it upon themselves to offer assistance without asking and making assumptions that are unfounded?

Fortunately, the tiny white hairs on the frond surface of the Staghorn are not vital to its survival. In nature, they are there to help retain rain water that flows daily over these airborne plants. When we pot them for indoor use, a more extensive root system develops that absorbs necessary water for the plant, so the hairs are not as essential. Unfortunately, it does kind of spoil the appearance of the Staghorn. Unfortunately, the white hairs do not grow back once they are removed.

But you can take heart that any new fronds will have the white fuzz.

I have written an article on Ferns that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com