The staghorn fern, a member of the Platycerium genus, is an epiphyte, meaning it naturally grows attached to trees or other structures rather than in soil. This unique growth habit makes mounting them on a wooden board appealing for display, mimicking the vertical surface they occupy in a tropical forest. These ferns have two distinct types of foliage: the broad, papery basal shield fronds and the forked, antler-like fertile fronds. This article focuses on a secure and organic mounting technique using burlap to anchor the fern firmly to its new base.
Gathering Necessary Supplies
The mounting process requires specific materials to ensure the fern’s stability. The foundation is a sturdy, rot-resistant mounting board, such as cedar or reclaimed wood, which serves as the artificial tree trunk. A high-quality, moisture-retentive substrate is also needed; long-fiber sphagnum moss is the preferred choice because it holds water and nutrients while remaining airy.
The star material is burlap, a natural, woven fabric made from jute fibers. Burlap is uniquely suited for this task because it is porous, strong, and biodegradable, allowing air and water to pass through freely and preventing the root ball from becoming waterlogged. You will also need non-copper fasteners, like galvanized screws or small nails, along with a staple gun or tacks to secure the burlap to the wood. Finally, the staghorn fern itself, whether a small pup or a larger specimen, should be ready for transplanting.
Preparing the Fern and Mounting Base
Before attachment, carefully extract the staghorn fern from its nursery pot, gently loosening and removing any excess soil from the root ball. Inspect the root system and trim away any roots that appear dead or damaged. Take care not to disturb the basal shield frond, which is the flat, sterile frond that protects the roots and absorbs moisture. This preparation ensures the fern is ready to transition to its new, soil-free environment.
Prepare the mounting board by adding any desired hanging hardware, such as a wire or D-rings, to the back before the fern is attached. Hydrate the sphagnum moss by submerging a generous amount in water for several minutes. Wring the moss out until it is damp but not dripping wet. This moist moss is then formed into a compact, dome-shaped mound at the desired placement spot on the board, acting as the initial substrate for the fern’s roots.
Step-by-Step Burlap Mounting Technique
Begin the mounting by positioning the prepared fern directly onto the moss mound, ensuring the root ball is nestled firmly into the damp substrate. Orient the fern so the growing point faces upward and the fertile fronds point away from the board for optimal display. The basal shield frond should be flat against the moss, ready to grow and envelop the new material.
Next, cut the burlap into a square or circular shape large enough to completely cover the moss mound and the root ball while leaving the fertile fronds exposed. The burlap acts as a secure net, holding the fern in place until its own shield fronds grow to secure it naturally. Drape the burlap over the root ball and the moss, pulling the edges tautly around the sides of the moss mound and toward the back of the mounting board.
To secure the burlap, use a staple gun or tacks to fasten the edges firmly to the back or sides of the wooden board. Pull the burlap tightly enough to compress the moss and hold the fern securely against the wood, ensuring there is no movement when gently tested. This tension provides the necessary stability for the epiphytic fern to establish new roots onto the board. Confirm that the fern is stable and the burlap is providing sufficient support without inhibiting the growth of the basal shield or the upright fronds.
Essential Care After Mounting
After mounting, the fern requires specific care to thrive in its new environment. Staghorn ferns prefer bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled sun they receive under a tree canopy. Placing the mounted fern in a location with an east or north-facing window typically provides the ideal light intensity without the risk of scorching the delicate fronds.
Watering a mounted fern is best accomplished by soaking the entire board and root ball in a basin of room-temperature water for about 10 to 20 minutes. Continue soaking until the moss is fully saturated, as the plant relies on the stored moisture in the moss. Allow the board to drip dry completely before rehanging it. Generally, aim to water when the moss feels almost dry to the touch, which is typically once a week in warmer months and less often in cooler periods.
Fertilization should be done sparingly, as overfeeding can harm the plant. During the active growing season of spring and summer, apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month to the moss and fronds. Some growers also occasionally place small pieces of organic matter, like a slice of banana peel, underneath the shield frond. This allows the decomposing material to release nutrients naturally to the plant’s root system.