Staghorns are epiphytes which means that they grow best in the air, not the soil. They can grow in the soil but prefer to grow where the air can circulate around them. Staghorns like bright indirect light so do not like being in a window. It can be near an east window or if in a southern or western exposure, needs to be at least ten feet away. They like to be kept moist but not wet. The fronds on the base are not dead, they are shields for the plant, do not remove them.
* Information from Nell from Joy Us Garden