Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Staghorn Fern

Staghorn Fern is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of removing dead fronds cleanly at the base in spring in the early stages and paid for it. crown death from frost on tender varieties also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a hanging basket in a cool bathroom which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. dramatic unfurling fiddle-head growth in spring is visible but muted. full lush canopy through summer gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.