Staghorn ferns (Platycerium) are unique epiphytes that naturally grow on other plants or structures, such as tree trunks and branches, rather than in soil. This distinctive growth habit influences their display and care, requiring specialized approaches beyond traditional potting.
Why Specialized Containers Are Essential
Staghorn ferns are epiphytic, absorbing water and nutrients primarily through their fronds and small root system. In their natural environment, they cling to trees, collecting moisture and organic debris. Traditional soil-based potting is detrimental, often leading to excessive moisture retention around the delicate rhizomes, which are prone to rot without adequate air circulation.
Rapid drainage and excellent air circulation around the root ball are paramount for a staghorn fern’s health. The plant has two types of fronds: fertile, antler-like fronds for photosynthesis and spore production, and sterile, shield-like basal fronds that flatten against the mounting surface. These shield fronds protect the root system and collect water and debris, making it crucial they are not buried in dense, waterlogged soil.
Primary Container Options
Staghorn ferns thrive when displayed in ways that mimic their natural arboreal environment. The most common and effective methods involve mounting them on a plaque or board, or housing them in specific types of hanging baskets. These options provide the necessary support, drainage, and air circulation that traditional pots cannot.
Mounting on a Plaque or Board
Mounting a staghorn fern on a plaque or board closely replicates its natural growth on tree trunks. Rot-resistant woods like cedar, redwood, or cypress are common materials. The fern’s root ball is secured to the board with sphagnum moss, which holds moisture while allowing good air exchange. This method allows the plant to be hung on a wall. Mounted ferns often require more frequent watering due to quicker drying of the moss and exposed roots.
Hanging Baskets
Certain hanging baskets, especially those made of wire or slatted wood, offer a suitable environment. These baskets are typically lined with sphagnum moss or coco fiber, balancing moisture retention and superior drainage. Their open structure ensures ample air circulation around the root system, preventing waterlogging. Hanging baskets allow for a fuller, more rounded growth habit and are practical for larger specimens, though stability as the plant grows can be a consideration.
Other Creative Options
Less common, but viable, methods include Kokedama, moss balls where the plant’s roots are encased in sphagnum moss and soil, then bound with string. This Japanese art form creates a suspended display emphasizing the plant’s unique form. Custom-made wire forms can also shape the plant’s growth, prioritizing the air circulation and drainage these epiphytes require.
The Mounting and Potting Process
Setting up a staghorn fern in its specialized container involves specific steps for long-term health, focusing on a stable anchor and accommodating its unique root structure and water absorption.
For mounting on a plaque, begin by soaking sphagnum moss until saturated, then squeeze out excess. Gently remove the fern from its nursery pot, loosening and flattening the root ball against the mounting surface. Position moistened moss on the board, then place the fern’s root ball on top, ensuring sterile shield fronds grow against or over the board. Secure the plant and moss firmly with nylon string, fishing line, or thin wire, crisscrossing it over the moss and around pre-inserted nails or screws. The goal is to hold the fern snug until its roots naturally attach.
When potting a staghorn fern into a hanging basket, line it with a thick layer of moist sphagnum moss or coco fiber. Create a secure pocket within the lining for the fern’s root ball. Add a well-draining, airy potting mix, such as an orchid mix or bark chips and sphagnum moss blend, around the root ball, ensuring basal shield fronds are not buried. Position the fern so its fertile fronds grow outwards or downwards, depending on aesthetic and basket type. The lining should be thick enough to retain some moisture while allowing excess water to drain freely.
Selecting the Best Option and Post-Setup Considerations
Choosing the most suitable display method for a staghorn fern depends on factors like available space, aesthetic preferences, plant size, and maintenance commitment. Each option influences how the plant integrates into its environment and its specific care requirements.
Mounted ferns offer a vertical display and are space-efficient for wall hanging. However, they typically dry out faster than those in baskets, often requiring more frequent watering, sometimes weekly. Hanging baskets accommodate larger plants more readily and may retain moisture longer, potentially reducing watering frequency. Regardless of the method, adequate air circulation is always beneficial. The plant’s size should be considered to ensure the container supports its growth over time, as re-mounting or repotting may be necessary as the fern matures.