The staghorn fern, belonging to the genus Platycerium, is naturally epiphytic, meaning it grows harmlessly on the surface of other objects, such as tree trunks, rather than in soil. Its common name comes from the fertile fronds, which resemble the antlers of a deer or elk. As a mounted plant, a staghorn fern requires periodic relocation to accommodate its growth and maintain its health.
Timing and Necessity for Transplanting
Staghorn ferns grow slowly, so transplanting is usually necessary only every few years. The most opportune time is during the late winter or very early spring months. This timing precedes the plant’s period of active growth, allowing it a full season to establish new roots on the fresh mount before winter dormancy.
Physical indicators signal the need for a transplant. The most common sign is when the sterile shield fronds—the hardened, plate-like structures at the base—have completely encased the current mounting material. A move is also required if the plant becomes visibly top-heavy or unstable on its existing support.
Transplanting is also the method used to divide the plant when it produces offsets. Separating these pups allows for propagation while preventing the main plant from becoming overly crowded. If the fern has been grown in a basket, visible signs of root stress or damage confirm the root mass has outgrown its current confines.
Preparation of Materials and Tools
Gathering all necessary items minimizes the fern’s root exposure time. A new mounting surface, such as a sturdy wooden plank, a wire basket, or a slab of tree fern, must be prepared to support the mature weight of the fern. The specific choice of material depends on the intended display method.
An attachment medium is required to provide initial moisture retention and a substrate for the new roots to anchor. This material is typically sphagnum moss, coco coir, or a mixture of both. These mediums hold water without becoming waterlogged, which is a common hazard for epiphytes.
To secure the fern, use non-copper wire, sturdy nylon twine, or plastic zip ties. Copper materials should be avoided, as the metal can be toxic to the plant over time. A sharp, sterile cutting tool, such as a knife or garden shears, is also needed. Sterilizing the cutting tool with rubbing alcohol or a bleach solution prevents the transfer of potential pathogens.
Step-by-Step Transplanting Process
Detaching the Fern
The process begins by carefully detaching the fern from its old mount. Take great care to preserve the sterile shield fronds. These brown, papery fronds protect the sensitive root ball and should not be damaged. Gently pry the plant away from the old surface, often requiring the cutting of old twine or fasteners.
Dividing Offsets
If the staghorn fern has produced pups and propagation is the goal, separation should occur before mounting. The connection point between the pup and the mother plant is a small section of the rhizome. Using the sterile cutting tool, make a clean, swift cut to separate the offset. Ensure the pup retains its own shield frond and a portion of the root mass.
Preparing the New Mount
The new mounting surface requires preparation by placing a thin, moisture-retaining layer of the chosen medium. A small pad of pre-moistened sphagnum moss or coco coir should be centered on the new mount. This provides a soft bed for the roots and acts as a temporary reservoir of moisture.
Securing the Plant
Position the fern’s root ball directly onto the prepared moss bed. Ensure the crown, which is the growing point for new fronds, is oriented upward and slightly away from the mount. The base of the plant must sit flush against the moss and the mount surface to facilitate proper attachment.
Securely fasten the fern to the new support using non-copper wire or twine. Thread the material around the root mass and through the mounting material, wrapping it tightly around the back. The securing material must hold the plant firmly in place to prevent movement, which can disrupt root re-establishment. Avoid running the wire or twine directly over the soft, newly growing fertile fronds or the crown.
Post-Transplant Care
Immediately following the transplant, the fern should be placed in an area with reduced light intensity. Moving the fern to a location that receives bright, indirect light rather than direct sun helps mitigate the stress of the procedure. This allows the plant to focus its energy on root recovery.
Maintaining a higher level of ambient humidity is beneficial during the initial recovery period. Staghorn ferns thrive in humid conditions, and increased moisture helps reduce water loss while the roots are settling. Misting the fronds or placing the mounted fern near a humidity tray can assist this process.
The initial watering schedule requires a temporary adjustment to encourage root growth into the new medium. For the first two to three weeks, the frequency of watering should be slightly increased compared to the normal routine. After this initial establishment phase, the watering routine can gradually be returned to its regular schedule. Signs of transplant shock, such as slight wilting or browning of the frond tips, may appear, but maintaining high humidity and consistent moisture will help the plant recover quickly.