Staghorn ferns, belonging to the genus Platycerium, are unique plants that naturally grow attached to trees or rocks in tropical environments. This epiphytic growth habit means the fern does not require soil for sustenance and instead draws moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. Mounting the plant mimics this natural state, allowing the characteristic shield and fertile fronds to develop correctly and display the plant’s architectural beauty. Successfully transitioning a potted staghorn fern to a mounted display requires careful preparation and specific physical steps. This guide provides the practical instructions for securely attaching a Platycerium to a suitable backing board for long-term health and display.
Essential Supplies for Mounting
The foundation of a successful mount begins with selecting the appropriate backing material, which must be durable and resistant to decay. Untreated hardwood planks, such as cedar or oak, are commonly used, as are natural cork bark slabs or compressed tree fern fiber. Avoid chemically treated or stained wood, which can leach compounds that are toxic to the fern’s sensitive root system.
The rooting medium requires sphagnum moss, recognized for its high water retention capacity and sterile nature. This moss provides initial moisture and stability around the root ball. Securing the fern requires a material that is both strong and non-biodegradable, preventing the mount from failing as the fern establishes itself.
Non-stretching, clear fishing line is preferred because it becomes virtually invisible once the plant is secured and its fronds begin to grow. Alternatively, thin floral wire or heavy-gauge natural twine can be used, provided they are tightly wrapped to prevent shifting. Finally, simple hanging hardware, such as eye hooks and picture wire, should be assembled to allow for vertical display once the mounting process is complete.
Preparing the Fern and Mounting Surface
Preparation of the mounting plank should be completed before the fern is introduced to prevent accidental damage to the plant. If using a solid wood plank, holes for the hanging hardware should be pre-drilled near the top edge of the board. Additionally, small holes can be drilled in the center of the board to facilitate the passage of the securing wires or fishing line during the wrapping process.
Carefully remove the staghorn fern from its nursery pot, gently separating the root mass from the potting medium. Lightly brush away excess soil, taking care not to damage the rhizome or the small shield fronds. The goal is to expose the compact root ball, which will be the primary point of contact with the sphagnum moss and the mounting board.
Placement on the board is dictated by the fern’s distinct frond types. The sterile shield fronds are flat, often papery structures that will eventually grow to cover the root ball and the mounting surface. The fertile fronds, which are the large, antler-shaped leaves, should be positioned facing outward and upward, confirming the orientation of the fern’s growing point.
Step-by-Step Attachment and Securing
The initial step involves creating a mound of dampened sphagnum moss directly onto the center of the mounting plank. This mound should be dense and large enough to completely cradle the fern’s root ball, ensuring maximum contact with the board. The moss maintains a consistently moist micro-environment for the roots while providing a soft cushion against the rigid wood.
The cleaned root ball of the Platycerium is then pressed firmly against the moss mound, taking care to orient the growing point upward. The base of the shield fronds must rest flush against the mounting surface, as these structures will naturally adhere to the board over time. The fern must be held steady in this position while the securing material is prepared for wrapping.
Securing the fern requires a wrapping technique that focuses pressure across the root area without constricting the fronds. A long piece of fishing line or wire is started from the back of the board, brought forward, and wrapped tightly over the moss and the root ball. The wrapping pattern should crisscross the central mass multiple times, utilizing the pre-drilled holes in the board to anchor the line if necessary.
The line should pass over the top of the moss ball but must never cross directly over the growing point, which can easily be scarred or damaged. The goal is to achieve a firm, stable attachment where the fern cannot wobble or shift when the board is moved. This stability is necessary for the fern to establish a strong connection to the wood.
Once the fern is stable, the securing material is brought to the back of the board, pulled taut, and tied off with a series of non-slip knots. Any excess line should be trimmed close to the knot to maintain a neat appearance. The entire process results in a compact, stable unit where the fern’s roots are fully encased in the moss and firmly pressed against the durable mounting surface.
Optimal Placement and Post-Mounting Care
After the staghorn fern is securely mounted, selecting the correct environmental conditions is the next priority. These epiphytes thrive in bright, indirect light, similar to what they would receive under a canopy. Direct, intense sunlight can quickly scorch the fronds, especially during the hottest parts of the day, so placement near an east or west-facing window is ideal.
Maintaining high humidity around the newly mounted fern is beneficial, achievable through regular misting or placing the mount near a humidifier. The technique for watering a mounted fern differs from watering a potted plant. The entire mounted unit should be periodically submerged in a basin or tub of water.
The mount should soak until the sphagnum moss is fully saturated. This soaking method ensures deep hydration of the root ball and the surrounding material. The board must drain completely before being re-hung to prevent the wood from remaining soggy.