Staghorn ferns (Platycerium spp.) are unique and striking epiphytic plants known for their distinctive antler-like fronds. Unlike most common houseplants grown in traditional soil, staghorn ferns have specialized needs that require a different approach to “potting.” Providing the correct support system is essential for their long-term health and to showcase their impressive growth habit. This often means traditional pots are unsuitable, leading to creative mounting solutions.
Unique Needs of Staghorn Ferns
Staghorn ferns are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants or objects for support in their natural tropical habitats, not in soil. This dictates their cultivation needs: excellent air circulation and rapid drainage to prevent root rot. Traditional potting mixes and containers retain too much moisture and restrict airflow, which is detrimental. Their roots absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. They have two distinct fronds: flat shield fronds that cover the root ball and absorb nutrients, and upright, antler-like fertile fronds.
Popular Mounting and Potting Methods
Many effective methods exist for supporting staghorn ferns, often mimicking their natural growth on trees. These approaches are more accurately described as “mounting” rather than traditional potting.
A. Mounting on Boards
Attaching a staghorn fern to a wooden board, cork bark, or other flat surface is a popular method that closely mimics its natural habitat. This technique promotes excellent air circulation around the root ball, which is crucial for the fern’s health. Mounting on a board also creates a visually appealing display, transforming the plant into living wall art. The fern is typically secured to the board with sphagnum moss around its root ball, then wrapped with fishing line or wire until it establishes itself.
B. Using Hanging Baskets
Wire or coco-fiber hanging baskets can be successfully adapted for staghorn ferns, offering good drainage and display versatility. When using a hanging basket, it is important to line it with a material like sphagnum moss to hold the growing medium, which typically consists of sphagnum moss, orchid bark, or a well-draining epiphytic mix. This setup ensures proper aeration while allowing excess water to drain freely. As the plant grows, offsets may emerge through the basket’s openings, creating a full, spherical appearance.
C. Specialty Containers
While traditional soil pots are generally unsuitable, some specialty containers can accommodate staghorn ferns. These include terracotta pots with side holes, designed to enhance airflow and drainage for epiphytic plants. Natural objects like driftwood can also serve as unique and functional mounts, providing a rustic aesthetic. Any container must allow for rapid water drainage and ample air circulation around the root system, preventing the soggy conditions that lead to root rot.
Key Considerations for Selection
Choosing the most suitable mounting or potting method for a staghorn fern involves evaluating several practical factors. Each consideration contributes to the fern’s well-being and its integration into your space.
A. Material Choices
Various materials can be used for mounting staghorn ferns, each with its own characteristics. Untreated wood, such as cedar or redwood, is a common choice due to its rot resistance and natural appearance. Cork bark offers a lightweight and attractive option, mimicking tree bark. Wire or coco fiber for baskets provides excellent drainage and airflow. The material should be durable enough to withstand consistent moisture and support the fern’s growth over time.
C. Size and Future Growth
Staghorn ferns can grow significantly, with some species developing fronds several feet long. When selecting a mounting surface, it is important to choose one that can accommodate the fern’s current size and allow for substantial future growth. A larger board or basket will prevent the need for frequent remounting, which can stress the plant. Consider the mature size of the specific Platycerium species when planning your display.
D. Aesthetics and Display Location
The visual appeal of the chosen mounting method and its suitability for the display location are also important. Mounted ferns can serve as striking living art pieces on a wall, enhancing both indoor and outdoor spaces. Consider whether the fern will be displayed indoors, where humidity levels might need to be supplemented, or outdoors in a suitable climate. The chosen material should complement the surrounding decor, whether a rustic wood board or a more contemporary fiberglass frame.
Step-by-Step Mounting Guide
Mounting a staghorn fern is a straightforward process that allows the plant to thrive in an environment similar to its natural habitat. Begin by preparing your chosen mounting surface, such as a wooden board, by ensuring it has a hanger on the back for display. Soak a generous amount of sphagnum moss in water until it is fully saturated, then squeeze out the excess moisture so it is damp but not dripping.
Gently remove the staghorn fern from its nursery pot and carefully loosen and flatten its root ball. Place a portion of the damp sphagnum moss onto the mounting surface, typically in the center, forming a mound. Position the flattened root ball of the fern on top of the moss, ensuring the shield fronds are oriented correctly, often pointing towards the top of the board. Add more damp sphagnum moss around the root ball until it is completely covered and forms a secure mound.
To secure the fern, use nylon string, fishing line, or thin wire. Start by tying one end of the string to a nail or staple on the board, then crisscross the string tightly over the moss-covered root ball, using additional nails or staples around the perimeter as anchors. Continue wrapping until the fern and moss are firmly held in place, pulling the string snug before tying off the end. The fishing line will eventually be covered by the fern’s growth.
Post-Mounting Care Tips
After mounting your staghorn fern, specific care practices are important to ensure its establishment and continued health. Watering a mounted fern differs from watering a potted plant; the most effective method is often soaking. Submerge the entire mounted plant in a basin of room-temperature water for 10 to 30 minutes, allowing the moss and root ball to become fully saturated. Allow the mount to drip dry completely before re-hanging it. During warmer months, watering once a week may be sufficient, while in cooler periods, the frequency can be reduced to every 10-14 days, allowing the moss to dry out between waterings.
Staghorn ferns thrive in environments with high humidity, ideally between 60-70%. Regular misting of the fronds can help increase humidity, or you can place the mounted fern in a naturally humid area like a bathroom. They prefer bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat beneath a tree canopy. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch their delicate fronds.
Fertilize mature staghorn ferns monthly during their active growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength. Apply fertilizer to the mounting material or directly to the root ball.