Use the damp moss
Moss
Mosses are small flowerless plants that typically grow in dense green clumps or mats, often in damp or shady locations. The individual plants are usually composed of simple leaves that are generally only one cell thick, attached to a stem that may be branched or unbranched and has onl…
How to hang a staghorn fern with a chain?
The Types of Ways of Hanging for Staghorn Ferns
- Staghorn Ferns. Staghorn fern requires unconventional potting methods to mimic its natural growing habit. ...
- Boards and Plaques. In frost-prone climates, staghorn fern can live outside during warm seasons but it must be brought indoors before frost threatens.
- Trees and Fences. ...
- Wire Baskets. ...
How to properly mount a rot-resistant staghorn fern?
How to Mount a Staghorn Fern Measure and Drill. Place the potted fern in the center of the wood plank, making sure that a sterile leaf is turned toward the top. Add the Plants. Dip a handful of moss in warm water, and then arrange it on the plank in between the screws. ... Secure. ... Hang. ...
How to repot a staghorn fern?
Potting Staghorn Fern in Wire Basket With Moss
- Pull a block of sphagnum moss into large pieces. Soak the pieces in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes, or until the moss is soaked through.
- Place a wire basket on a sturdy surface.
- Place one hand flat against the outside of the basket and one hand inside the basket, and then squeeze excess water from the sphagnum moss.
How to tree Mount staghorn ferns?
You will need
- Staghorn or elkhorn
- Horizontal slats (5) 90 x 22 x 650mm treated pine decking
- Vertical battens (2) 90 x 22 x 450mm treated pine decking
- Galvanised hooks (2)
- Galvanised chain
What is the best way to hang a staghorn fern?
Chained staghorn fern plants should only be hung from large tree limbs that can support the weight of the plant and the chain. It is also important to protect the tree limb from chain damage by placing the chain in a section of rubber hose or foam rubber pipe insulation so that the chain is not touching the tree bark.
How do you start a staghorn basket?
To grow staghorn ferns in baskets, begin by lining the basket with at least an inch (2.5 cm.) of moistened sphagnum moss, then fill the basket with a very well drained potting mix, such as one containing a mixture of equal parts bark chips, sphagnum moss and regular potting mix.
What kind of wood do you use to mount a staghorn fern?
cedarMounting Staghorn Ferns should be done on rot resistant wood like cedar. Because of the aggressive way that they are watered, and the fact that they are so closely connected to the wood, you need something that can last long term.
What kind of moss do you use to mount a staghorn fern?
Sphagnum mossSphagnum moss and pine bark are regularly used as planting media. When mounted on a piece of wood, the Staghorn Fern is typically placed on the surface of the wood and sphagnum moss is mounded around the base of the plant to hold moisture around the root system.
Does a staghorn fern need soil?
In its natural habitat, the staghorn fern grows in rainforests in an epiphytic manner, meaning it clings to trees in a non-parasitic way. It doesn't need soil around its roots, which only really serve an anchoring purpose: water and nutrients are absorbed mainly through the fronds instead.
How long does it take for a staghorn to attach?
Continue to water the plant about once a week during dry seasons, but no more than once every couple of weeks during wet ones. After about six months, it will probably have attached itself to the tree's bark, and you can remove the fishing line.
How do you attach a staghorn fern to a piece of wood?
1:376:22How to Mount a Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they have a kind of a dense root to them that is very firm like it's kind of fibrous. We'reMoreAnd they have a kind of a dense root to them that is very firm like it's kind of fibrous. We're going to peel that down actually flatten that out so it can actually sit on the board.
How do you water a staghorn fern on wood?
WaterSoak your staghorn fern facedown in a sink or basin of water for about 5 minutes, or until the roots are fully saturated.Alternately, place the plaque in a sink or shower, and allow room-temperature water to run over the root ball until it is saturated.Allow your plant to drip dry before re-hanging.
Where is the best place to put a staghorn?
It will grow best in partial shade, and a place with indirect light is ideal. With a good mount, the right sunlight, and regular watering, staghorn ferns are pretty hands-off.
How do you start a staghorn fern puppy?
Wait until the pup is at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across. Find the spot under the brown shield fronds where the pup is attached and, with a sharp knife, cut the pup away with some roots attached. You can mount the pup just as you would a fully grown staghorn fern.
How do you plant a staghorn?
0:551:56How to Plant Staghorn Ferns - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFind get your ball. Or your start the root from the staghorn. And you just cover it with moss. AndMoreFind get your ball. Or your start the root from the staghorn. And you just cover it with moss. And then you just wire it or glue it right onto some bark.
How do you divide a staghorn fern?
How to Divide a Staghorn Fern. When you're ready to divide your staghorn fern, look for an offshoot and the stem or root that connects it to the main plant. In most cases, you should be able to twist or gently pull the offshoot free, but you may need to get a knife in there to sever the attaching root.
Do staghorn ferns need fertilizer?
Fertilizing your staghorn fern will promote vigorous growth, especially in younger plants. Feed your staghorn fern monthly during periods of active grown (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (ratio of 1:1:1). During periods of dormancy (fall and winter), reduce fertilizing to every other month.
How to grow staghorn ferns in baskets?
To grow staghorn ferns in baskets, begin by lining the basket with at least an inch (2.5 cm.) of moistened sphagnum moss, then fill the basket with a very well drained potting mix, such as one containing a mixture of equal parts bar k chips, sphagnum moss and regular potting mix.
What is a staghorn fern?
Big and unique, staghorn ferns are a surefire conversation starter. By nature, staghorn ferns are epiphytic plants that grow by attaching themselves to tree trunks or limbs. They aren’t parasitic because they draw no nutrition from the tree. Instead, they feed on decomposing plant matter, ...
Do staghorn ferns like direct sunlight?
Staghorn ferns prefer partial shade or indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which is too intense. On the other hand, staghorn ferns in too much shade tend to grow slowly and are more likely to develop problems with pests or disease.
Can staghorn ferns grow in pots?
The key to growing staghorn ferns in baskets or pots is to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible. But, yes, they can grow in pots.
How to hang a Staghorn fern?
A Staghorn needs to be hung or mounted on something that will support it as it grows. This can be a flat wooden plaque, a log, or a hanging basket. The plant needs to be secured to the support until the roots can take hold. This means using soft wire or string to hold it in place.
How to Mount a Staghorn Fern
The method of mounting the fern will depend on what you use as its mount.
Why a Staghorn Fern Needs to be Mounted
Most simply, a Staghorn doesn’t grow in the ground and needs support to hold onto. However, mounting this plant is not just for support.
What to Use to Mount a Staghorn Fern on
You can mount your Staghorn on anything substantial to hold it and which can either be placed in a strategic position in your home, or actually mounted on a wall, or similar feature.
What a Staghorn Fern is
A Staghorn is a type of fern, found in hot, humid environments. The leaves look just like a stag’s antlers, which is where the name comes from.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Mount a Staghorn Fern
A Staghorn fern cannot grow on its own. The roots are only developed to anchor it onto something, not to grow in soil and absorb nutrients. The fern is really an air plant and gets both nutrients and water from the surrounding air. You must simulate the natural growing conditions by mounting the fern onto something.
Conclusion
Staghorn ferns are unusual and attractive plants, especially when mounted on a feature. The roots need to be able to attach to the support and hold the plant.
How to make a basket out of a staghorn fern?
Some experts suggest making a basket out of the chain itself by attaching smaller pieces of chain together to form a spherical shape.
How heavy are staghorn ferns?
With mature plants weighing between 100-300 lbs (45.5 to 136 kg.), supporting a staghorn ferns with a chain soon becomes the sturdiest option.
What type of chain should I use for staghorn ferns?
In time, rope can become weathered and weak, so steel chain is preferred for large hanging plants – ¼ inch (0.5 cm.) thick galvanized steel chain is usually used for chained staghorn fern plants. There are a few different ways of hanging a staghorn ferns with chains. Chains can be attached to wire or metal hanging baskets with ‘S’ hooks.
Why are staghorn ferns hung on limbs?
Because they get most of their water and nutrients from the air or fallen plant matter, they are often hung on limbs or in the crotches of trees much like they grow in their native environments. Chained staghorn fern plants should only be hung from large tree limbs that can support the weight of the plant and the chain.
What zone do staghorn ferns grow in?
Printer Friendly Version. Image by London looks. Staghorn ferns are large epiphytic evergreens in zones 9-12. In their natural environment, they grow on large trees and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.
Can staghorn ferns be saved?
During storms, these heavy plants can fall out of their tree hosts. Some nurseries in Florida actually specialize in saving these fallen ferns or collect them to propagate smaller plants from them. Whether attempting to save a fallen staghorn fern or supporting a store bought one, hanging a staghorn fern with chains may be the best option.
Can sphagnum moss be planted in a basket?
Sphagnum moss is placed in the basket and no soil or potting medium is used. In time, a happy staghorn fern plant will produce pups that may cover the whole basket structure. As these staghorn fern clusters grow, they will become heavier and heavier.
How to make a fern out of moss?
Place the plant on top of the soil. Above: Use sheet moss as a green backdrop. Step 6: Tear pieces of sheet moss and press around the base of the plant, making sure to keep the moss inside the circle of nails. Above: Secure the fern.
How to secure a plant with nails?
The more nails you use, the more opportunity you have to secure your plant, so feel free to go crazy. Above: Lay a base of soil on the board. Step 4: Add a small pile of potting soil to the board, inside the circle that you traced.
How to grow a staghorn fern in a basket?
Gardeners should prepare the basket to provide the optimal conditions for the staghorn fern. They should line the bottom of the basket with 1 to 1 1/2 inches of sphagnum moss that is moistened and long fibered. The center part of the basket should be filled with equal parts of wood chips, sphagnum moss and organic potting soil. The soil should come from a package, and the wood chips should be 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. The fern should go about one-third of the way into the basket and be packed in securely.
What is a staghorn fern basket made of?
The wire can be made of many different types of metals including wrought iron and steel. The staghorn fern eventually overtakes the basket, so gardeners will want to consider whether it is worthwhile to spend extra money for an intricate design that may not be seen for long.
What is a mesh basket for ferns?
Mesh hanging baskets give staghorn ferns proper support as long as they are strong. These baskets come in the shape of a large bowl but have a mesh wire instead of thicker wires. These may be constructed from lightweight metal such as aluminum. They have chains connecting the basket to a center point with a hanger at the top.
How many species of staghorn ferns are there?
Staghorn ferns encompass about 18 species of ferns in the Platycerium genus. They are epiphytic and do not need to be planted in soil but instead get their nutrients from absorption through their leaves. They do extremely well in hanging baskets, forming large green, fork-shaped leaves that are 6 to 30 inches long and shield-shaped leaves of 8 to 24 inches. Many of the staghorn variations prefer hot climates and thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
Why does fern wood rot?
One problem is that the wood tends to eventually rot because of the plant and required moisture and thus needs to be replaced. For best results, gardeners should mount the fern securely to support its weight. Suzanne Rose has worked as a copywriter for more than 10 years.
What is a wire basket?
Wire hanging baskets are in the general shape of a large bowl with metal wires forming the bottom of the basket. A simple wire basket has wires running vertically from the bottom to the sides, while elaborate ones have wires in different designs around the basket. The wire can be made of many different types of metals including wrought iron ...
What zone do staghorns live in?
Many of the staghorn variations prefer hot climates and thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.
How to grow staghorn ferns in a hanging basket
I have a staghorn fern which is quite big and would like to know how to grow it in a hanging basket with cocoa fiber liner..I see them growing in them but Im not sure if you add dirt and how do you put them in the basket..If there is somebody who grows them this way would please give me some instructions, I would be so happy...Judy
Comments (2)
Hey Judy....we're in Colonialtown North a couple minutes from Leu Gardens....You're welcome to visit....the garden is always Open :-)
