The staghorn fern, belonging to the genus Platycerium, is known for its striking, antler-shaped fronds. This genus is epiphytic, meaning it naturally grows on the surfaces of other plants, such as tree trunks and branches, rather than in soil. Mounting the fern onto a wooden board is the ideal cultivation method, as it closely mimics this natural habit and provides necessary vertical support. This process allows the fern to display its form while making its specialized care routine more manageable.
Essential Materials and Preparation
Gathering the essential materials is the first step. The mounting surface should be untreated, rot-resistant wood like cedar, cork bark, or driftwood. You will also need sphagnum moss, which is superior for its water-holding capacity, along with a fine, strong fastening material such as monofilament fishing line or thin, durable wire.
Preparation involves readying the fern and the moss. Gently remove the staghorn fern from its nursery pot, carefully loosening and removing most of the existing soil from the root ball. Since the roots are primarily for anchoring, a significant reduction in the soil is beneficial. Next, fully saturate a generous amount of sphagnum moss by soaking it in water for several minutes.
Squeeze the soaked moss just enough to remove excess dripping water, leaving it damp but not waterlogged. Prepare the wooden board by pre-drilling holes or hammering small nails into the desired mounting area. These anchor points are necessary to securely hold the fern against the wood during the initial attachment phase.
Step-by-Step Mounting Procedure
The mounting process begins by positioning the fern on the prepared wooden board. Center the flat root ball area, which is protected by the shield fronds, on the board with the antler-like fronds facing outward.
Pack the damp sphagnum moss firmly around the flattened root ball, creating a supportive, moisture-retaining cushion for the roots. The moss pad must cover the entire root ball but should not extend over the delicate shield fronds.
To secure the fern, tie one end of the fishing line or wire to an anchor point. Tightly crisscross the line back and forth over the moss-covered root ball, wrapping it around the nails or through the holes. Pull the line taut to ensure the fern is held firmly against the board. Once secure, tie off the fastening line at a final anchor point and trim any excess material.
Post-Mounting Care and Placement
Staghorn ferns require bright, indirect light to thrive, as direct sun exposure can easily scorch the delicate fronds. An eastern or southern window with filtered light is often an ideal indoor placement, mimicking the dappled shade they receive in their native habitat.
Watering a mounted fern is done by soaking the entire board and moss pad, rather than traditional surface watering. Remove the mounted fern from the wall and submerge it in a basin of water for 10 to 20 minutes until the moss is fully saturated. Frequency depends on the environment, typically once per week in warmer months and every two to three weeks during winter, allowing the moss to dry out slightly between soakings.
High humidity is beneficial, with levels around 50% or higher being preferred. Placing the fern in a naturally humid space, such as a bathroom, or utilizing a humidifier can help prevent the fronds from browning at the tips. During the growing season, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied monthly, diluted to half-strength, to provide necessary nutrients that the fern would naturally absorb from decaying matter.