Staghorn ferns (Platycerium) are epiphytes that grow on trees in tropical environments. They do not require soil, absorbing nutrients and moisture through specialized fronds and root systems attached to a host structure. When cultivated, they are typically mounted onto a substrate, mimicking their natural growth habit rather than being confined to a traditional pot. A large staghorn fern, especially after watering, can easily weigh several dozen pounds. Successfully hanging a mature specimen requires specific techniques and materials to ensure its health and long-term stability.
Selecting the Right Mounting Materials
Choosing the correct backing material is the first step in creating a secure home for a large staghorn fern. The mount must be robust enough to support the plant’s weight and saturated root ball for many years without deteriorating. Thick cedar or redwood planks are frequently used because they resist rot and moisture, providing a durable base for the root mass. Lumber should be one to two inches thick to prevent warping or cracking under strain.
For extremely large specimens, a heavy-gauge wire basket lined with robust material can contain the root system. The primary growing medium surrounding the roots must be water-retentive yet durable. Sphagnum moss is the preferred choice, often mixed with coconut coir, which slows decomposition and provides aeration.
Securing the fern requires materials beyond standard gardening twine or thin wire, which will degrade or snap. Heavy-gauge, plastic-coated wire or durable nylon straps are necessary to tightly compress the root ball and moss against the board. These elements must withstand the pressure exerted by the growing plant and the pull of gravity. All fasteners used to anchor these materials must be corrosion-resistant, such as stainless steel, due to constant moisture exposure.
Preparing and Securing the Fern to the Mount
The process begins by gently removing the fern from its container, taking care not to damage the delicate root system or the shield fronds. Excess potting soil should be brushed away, and the root ball shaped into a compact mass. The goal is to maximize the surface area that will make contact with the new mounting board.
Positioning the fern correctly ensures long-term health. The shield fronds, which are the sterile, rounded plates, must be oriented to lie flat against the wood surface. These fronds will eventually cover the mounting material, creating a sealed microenvironment that retains moisture and captures debris for nutrition.
A substantial layer of pre-moistened sphagnum moss is packed firmly around the root ball, covering it and filling any gaps. This moss layer acts as the primary reservoir for water and nutrients. The fern and moss are then secured using heavy-gauge wire or straps, wrapped tautly over the root ball and anchored to the back or edges of the mount.
The securing material should be looped in multiple directions across the root mass to distribute tension evenly and prevent shifting. The pressure must be firm enough to stabilize the plant completely, preventing movement that could hinder the roots from adhering to the board. The sterile shield fronds must not be pierced or damaged by the wire during this process.
Structural Requirements for Display Location
The considerable weight of a mature, watered staghorn fern necessitates careful consideration of the display location’s structural integrity. A large mounted specimen can weigh 30 to 50 pounds, making standard picture hooks or drywall anchors entirely unsuitable. The primary requirement is anchoring the mount directly into a load-bearing structure, such as a wooden wall stud or a ceiling beam.
A high-quality electronic stud finder should be used to precisely locate the center of structural wood members before drilling pilot holes. Standard screws are not adequate for this job; heavy-duty fasteners are required. These fasteners must support a static load significantly greater than the fern’s dry weight to account for saturation.
Required Fasteners
For anchoring the mount, use:
- Heavy-duty lag screws.
- Toggle bolts rated for high weight capacity.
- Specialized wall anchors designed for deep penetration into masonry.
When hanging from the ceiling, heavy-gauge chain or cable rated for over 100 pounds should be used, attached to a ceiling hook or eye bolt screwed directly into a joist. The weight is best distributed across two or more anchor points, even when hanging against a wall, to reduce shear stress on a single fastener. This redundancy helps prevent failure as the fern increases in size and mass.
Ongoing Care for Mounted Staghorns
The care regimen for a mounted staghorn fern differs from that of a potted plant because the exposed root mass dries out more quickly. The most effective watering method is immersion, where the entire mount is soaked in lukewarm water for 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the sphagnum moss and root ball to rehydrate, a process not achieved with light surface spraying.
The mount must be allowed to drain completely before being re-hung, preventing excess moisture from promoting fungal growth or wood decay. Fertilization is simplified by adding a diluted liquid fertilizer solution to the soaking water once a month during the growing season. The plant absorbs nutrients directly through the moss and root mass during immersion.