I was given some staghorn ferns for...

Staghorn ferns can’t be planted in ordinary potting soil, so that’s the first thing to check. They should be placed on a slab of osmunda or wood. To grow one on wood, place the base of the fern on a patch of sphagnum moss that is very moist and has long fibers. Tie the fern and moss to the wood using fishing line. The fern will attach itself to the wood eventually. Soak the entire thing in a bucket or sink to water the fern.