Staghorn ferns (genus Platycerium) are unique tropical plants that grow as epiphytes, meaning they naturally attach themselves to objects like tree trunks rather than in the ground. This unusual growth habit requires specialized structures often mistaken for typical roots, leading to them being commonly grown mounted on boards. Understanding the plant’s dual root system and specialized fronds is fundamental to providing the specific care needed. The care regimen differs significantly from traditional potted plants, revolving around the fern’s ability to absorb nutrients and moisture from its surroundings and the air.
Distinguishing Between True Roots and Shield Fronds
The staghorn fern possesses two distinct structures at its base, both of which contribute to its stability and survival, but only one is a true root. The true roots are small, delicate, and tufted structures that emerge from the rhizome, which is the plant’s central stem. These roots primarily anchor the fern to its host surface and absorb water and dissolved nutrients from surrounding moss or debris.
The other structure is the shield frond, also known as the basal frond. These sterile, hard, rounded plates grow flat against the mounting surface, forming a cup-like basket. They start green but turn brown and papery as they mature and should never be removed, even when dry. This tough, protective layer serves as a holdfast, pressing the plant firmly against its support, and creating a natural compost pile. The shield fronds actively collect water and decaying organic matter, which decomposes and provides the fern with a slow, steady supply of nutrients.
Securing the Staghorn Fern
Since the staghorn fern is an epiphyte, it requires a solid, well-draining base to mimic its natural environment on a tree trunk. The most common method involves mounting the plant onto a sturdy, rot-resistant material, such as a wooden plank, cork bark, or a tree fern slab. This mounting process is important because the delicate true roots cannot tolerate dense soil, which holds too much moisture and restricts the air circulation they require.
To secure the fern, a layer of damp sphagnum moss should first be placed on the chosen mount to create a moisture-retentive bed for the true roots. The plant’s root ball is then spread out gently and positioned flat against the moss, ensuring the shield frond is facing outward. More moss is packed around the root mass, and the entire assembly is secured tightly to the board using a durable material like fishing line, non-corrosive wire, or even nylon stockings. Press the root ball firmly against the mount, but care must be taken not to cover or crush the growing tips of the shield fronds, as this can impede their function.
The wrapping material should be secured tightly over the moss ball and around the base. This keeps the fern secure until its own shield fronds grow to fully encompass and anchor it to the board. This firm attachment allows the true roots to establish themselves securely in the moss layer, ensuring they remain lightly moist and have access to the air circulation needed to prevent root rot.
Hydration and Feeding Methods
The unique root and frond structure of the staghorn fern dictates a specific approach to watering that differs significantly from conventional houseplants. The most effective method for watering a mounted fern is by soaking the entire root ball and mount in a basin of water for 10 to 20 minutes. This submerging technique allows the moss and the shield fronds to fully absorb the necessary moisture, ensuring the true roots are completely saturated.
After soaking, the mount must be allowed to drain completely and air-dry before being re-hung, which helps prevent the waterlogging that leads to root decay. The frequency of watering depends heavily on the environment, typically ranging from once a week in warmer, drier months to every two to three weeks during cooler periods. The plant should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings, but the moss should never be permitted to become completely parched.
For feeding, staghorn ferns require a balanced liquid fertilizer, often diluted to quarter or half strength, which should be applied monthly during the active growing season of spring and summer. Nutrients are absorbed through both the true roots in the moss and directly through the basal fronds. When fertilizing, the diluted solution should be poured over the moss and the shield fronds, ensuring the entire root mass receives the benefit. Mature ferns thrive with less frequent feeding, sometimes only needing a balanced fertilizer application once or twice a year.