
Full Answer
How to plant staghorn fern on a board?
You can prepare your board easily by following these steps:
- First, fold a piece of paper in half to get the designated shape, making sure it fits on your board when unfolded.
- Draw a shape and trace it on your cedar board.
- Now, cut out your shape with a jigsaw, and you’re done.
- Hammer the nails around the wooden plank or fencepost every 1 – 2 inches to secure the stag.
How to mount a staghorn fern on wood?
Step By Step Guide on How To Mount a Staghorn Fern on a Board
- Set the Hook. First things first, you will want to set the hook that will attach to the wall. ...
- Trace a circle. Next, find a round object that you can trace around for your guide for step three. ...
- Hammer in nails. ...
- Prune and open roots. ...
- Place fern on mount. ...
- Wrap base in damp moss. ...
- Secure with twine. ...
- Nail and Hang the Plant. ...
- After Care. ...
How to hang staghorn fern in tree?
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 roots only attach the plant to the tree. Staghorn ferns are sensitive to cold temperatures. If you grow a fern outside, then it will need to be brought inside in ...
How to grow Majestic staghorn fern plants indoors?
Staghorn ferns can be connected to board mounts and to water them you’ll need to submerge the whole board in water. Then, leave it to dry out before repeating the whole process. Though, you can successfully grow these types of ferns indoors, in a pot. As with most other fern plant varieties, Staghorn ferns require damp soil to thrive.

How do you propagate staghorn fern?
Staghorn fern can be propagated from the spores but because that is such a slow process they generally are propagated by division, carefully cutting off small pups with a sharp knife, making sure each piece has some fertile and sterile fronds and roots.
Do staghorn ferns 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.
Can you propagate a staghorn from a leaf?
1:2815:48HOW TO PROPAGATE & MOUNT - STAGHORN FERN ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipItself and this also applies to other ferns as well is that they will develop spores on theMoreItself and this also applies to other ferns as well is that they will develop spores on the underside of their leaves. Now these spores will be dispersed within the air and it'll actually germinate.
How do you start a staghorn fern on a tree?
Since staghorn ferns can get big, make sure the tree is a large and sturdy one. Place the plant so that the newest fronds are at the top, and wrap fishing line several times around the branch to secure the netted bundle of moss, bark and roots to it. Once the fern is tied in place, pour water over that bundle.
Are egg shells good for staghorn ferns?
They said that the calcium in eggshells went into the water left overnight and then if put onto ferns it would make the ferns grow into beautiful plants quickly. Another interesting “fact” was that adding the brewed tea in the bags was a great addition to the soil.
What does Epsom salt do for ferns?
They help in chlorophyll production, healthy plant growth, and resistance against diseases and pest. Both of them are required if you want to grow Lush and Green Ferns.
Can you cut a staghorn fern in half?
Splitting staghorns is much easier to do than it may seem at first. If you have a big plant, it can look as if it is a complicated mass of roots and fronds, but if you can separate an offshoot, it should come off easily. You can then remount it and enjoy a new, separate staghorn fern. Did you find this helpful?
How long does it take a staghorn fern to grow?
Staghorn fern are slow-growing, growing around 4 feet in 10-20 years.
Do staghorn ferns eat bananas?
But what about “feeding” banana peels directly to plants? In the case of at least one plant, the staghorn fern, adding whole banana peels is just as effective as composting them first. You can “feed” a whole peel or even a whole banana to the plant by placing it on top of the plant, among its fronds.
What kind of soil do staghorn ferns need?
Can staghorn ferns grow in soil? Staghorn ferns can grow in pots, but they should not be planted in mineral soil. Instead, use a well-draining planting medium made primarily of organic matter. A 50/50 mixture of orchid bark and cactus potting mix is appropriate.
What direction should a staghorn face?
Staghorn ferns need lots of bright but indirect or diffused sunlight. This is best achieved by placing them next to the brightest window in the house. All directions are fine, but west-facing windows might expose the fern to too much direct afternoon sun.
Where do staghorns grow best?
Staghorn ferns are easy to grow; they like bright, indirect light and good drainage. Avoid placing them in direct sun. These ferns grow well in shady spots outdoors during the warm season. When temperatures start dipping below 60 degrees, bring them indoors for the cool season.
What kind of soil should I use for staghorn fern?
Can staghorn ferns grow in soil? Staghorn ferns can grow in pots, but they should not be planted in mineral soil. Instead, use a well-draining planting medium made primarily of organic matter. A 50/50 mixture of orchid bark and cactus potting mix is appropriate.
What do I need to mount a staghorn fern?
There are five key components to mounting a staghorn fern at home. First, you need a mature stag, green sheet moss, twine or fishing line, a sturdy wooden board, and hardware for securing the fern to the board and hanging onto the wall.
How often should I water a staghorn fern?
A good rule of thumb is to water once per week in dry, hot times of year, and once every two to three weeks during cooler months. Start with this schedule, and adjust as necessary depending on your space. Staghorn ferns absorb water through their fronds, as well as their roots.
How do you repot a staghorn fern in a hanging basket?
Repotting a Staghorn Fern in a Hanging Basket Alternatively, use a mix of orchid bark and cactus potting soil on the coir liner instead of sphagnum moss. Carefully push the root ball through the hole in the coir liner so that the fronds are hanging from the side of the basket.
How to start a staghorn fern from a pup?
Ferns don’t produce seeds like most plants, so the best way to start a new staghorn fern is from its pups. Use a sharp, sterile knife to cut the pup from the parent plant. Wrap the end of the cut in damp sphagnum moss and tie it onto a piece of wood or bark loosely. Provide the same care of staghorn ferns that you would for an adult fern.
What is a staghorn fern?
Image by cynoclub. Staghorn ferns ( Platycerium spp.) have an out-of-this-world appearance. The plants have two types of leaves, one of which resembles the horns of a large herbivore. The plants grow outdoors in warm-season locations and indoors elsewhere.
How many different species of staghorn ferns are there?
There are 17 different species of staghorn fern ( Platycerium alcicorne) – which in addition to common staghorn fern, go by a number of other common names that include elkhorn fern and antelope ears. Each one has antler-like foliage as well as a flat, basal leaf. The flat leaves are infertile and turn brown and papery with age. They overlap onto a mounting surface and provide stability for the fern. The foliar fronds may droop or be erect, depending upon the variety of fern.
How long do staghorn ferns live?
Care of staghorn ferns relies on careful humidity, light, and temperature control. The ferns can live many years with good care and will get several hundred pounds in their natural habitat. Homegrown ferns are generally much smaller but they can be in the family for decades.
Can staghorn ferns grow indoors?
Growing staghorn ferns is easy. If they get low to medium light and moderate moisture, they will thrive. In fact, whether grown indoors or outside, provide moderate moisture and a humus-rich medium when growing staghorn ferns. Outdoor plants should be located in partial shade or low light conditions for the best growth, ...
Do staghorn ferns have flowers?
Staghorn ferns produce spores as reproductive organs, which are borne on the edges of the lobed, antler-type fronds. They do not get flowers and they are generally not rooted in soil.
Do ferns have flat leaves?
The flat leaves are infertile and turn brown and papery with age. They overlap onto a mounting surface and provide stability for the fern. The foliar fronds may droop or be erect, depending upon the variety of fern. Staghorn ferns produce spores as reproductive organs, which are borne on the edges of the lobed, antler-type fronds.
How to propagate staghorn ferns?
This can be done by cutting a full plant in half with a serrated knife – as long as there are plenty of fronds and roots on both halves they should be fine.
What is a staghorn fern?
The staghorn fern is an epiphyte, meaning it doesn’t root in the ground but instead absorbs its water and nutrients from the air and rain runoff. It also has two distinct types of leaves: basal fronds that grow flat and grip the plant to a surface or “mount,” and foliar fronds that collect rainwater and organic material.
How to get spores off of a foliar frond?
In the summer, look on the underside of the foliar fronds to find the spores. As the summer wears on, the spores should darken. When this happens, remove a frond or two and put them in a paper bag. When the fronds dry out, brush the spores off.
How to grow a fern on a mount?
Pick out a tree or piece of wood for your plant to grow on. This will be your mount. Soak a clump of sphagnum moss and set it on the mount, then set the fern on top of the moss so the basal fronds are touching the mount. Tie the fern in place with non-copper wire, and in time the fronds will grow over the wire and hold the fern in place.
How long does it take for peat moss to germinate?
Cover the container with plastic and place it in a sunny window. Water it from the bottom to keep it moist. It may take 3 to 6 months for the spores to germinate.
How to care for you propagated staghorn fern?
After the propagation, the staghorn fern replicates and grows normally. The simple care for you new staghorn fern will be:
How to propagate staghorn fern pups?
For propagation using free-rooting cuttings, harvest the pups when they are about 4 inches tall and the lower leaves have fallen off.
What are staghorn fern pups?
Staghorn ferns can reproduce and spread without any help from humans, but producing new plants is one way to ensure you have plenty of staghorns in your collection. This article gives tips on growing and caring for staghorn ferns.
How do you divide staghorn ferns?
Considered the king of house plants, the staghorn fern is one of the easiest to grow. Adding a staghorn fern to your decorating or gardening plans can be an exciting experience. Staghorn ferns commonly live for decades and can get quite large while adding a tropical feel to any space. Smaller varieties may still reach almost 100 years old and grow an impressive 4 feet wide and tall, often starting as cuttings from older plants.
What is the pup of a staghorn fern?
True staghorn fern pups are found on mature plants and will have already formed into little fern plants. The only part of the pup that is white is the center ball of white fuzz, which will eventually turn brown as it matures. The mature fern is green on top and tan underneath.
What is a pup fern?
The pup is a small, new fern that will grow into an adult fern. Pups are formed from spores or from a short stem that grows on the leafy side of an adult staghorn fern. Several pups may form on one staghorn leaf, while others may be found growing from the leaf where it meets the trunk of the plant.
Where do pups form on staghorn ferns?
The center of your plant, or where the foot meets the trunk, is a popular place for pups to start forming on staghorn ferns. Pups may also form on branch tips. As soon as they are noticed, gently remove them from the plant to plant in soil for propagation using free-rooting cuttings.
How to get rid of staghorn fern?
Soaking your staghorn fern. Soak your staghorn fern in a sink or basin of water for 10-20 minutes, or until the roots are fully saturated.
How to keep a staghorn fern from misting?
If your staghorn fern is in a space where it receives lots of ambient humidity, like a bathroom, you’ll probably be able to reduce your misting and watering. More light or heat = more watering. During the summer, be especially attentive to your stag.
What is the second type of staghorn fern?
The second type of staghorn fern frond is called the shield frond. These are the round, hard plate-like leaves that surround the base of the plant. Their function is to protect the plant roots, and take up water and nutrients. These fronds start out green, but eventually turn brown and dry up. This is a totally normal part of the staghorn fern life-cycle -- in fact, this is one of the most common misconceptions in staghorn fern care. A brown shield frond does not mean your staghorn fern is dying, and dried shield fronds should never be removed!
How many species of staghorn fern are there?
There are about 12,000 fern species, and ferns are amongst the most ancient plants.
What are staghorn fern leaves called?
Fern leaves are actually called fronds , and staghorn ferns have two types. The first, and most prominent, is the “antler” frond - these are the large, bifurcated leaves that shoot out of the center of the plant, and from which staghorn ferns get their names, since they resemble the antlers of deer or moose.
Why is my staghorn fern not growing?
Under and over-watering are the most common causes of staghorn fern failure. There is no hard and fast rule as to how often a staghorn fern will need watering - the amount of light, humidity and heat they receive in your home will dictate your watering schedule. However, here are a few rules that tend to work well for us:
What is the final part of a staghorn fern?
The final part of the staghorn fern is the root ball. Since stags are epiphytes, their root systems are fairly minimal, and help the plant attach to its home. Because the roots are so minimal, staghorn ferns need extensive drainage and are particularly susceptible to root rot.
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 Be Potted?
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 grow a staghorn fern?
Another great way to grow Staghorn Fern is in soil. This method requires less maintenance, especially when a Staghorn Fern gets bigger, because the soil can stay moist for much longer than the peat moss. Create a soil mound in a planter or basket, place the Staghorn on top. Don’t bury the plate, but press it so that the Staghorn fern sits securely ...
Why are staghorn ferns called platyceriums?
Staghorn ferns (Platyceriums ) got their names because of the dramatic fronds shaped like animal horns. They are epiphytes, which means they grow harmlessly upon another plant (such as a tree) and derives moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris accumulating around it.
Can staghorn ferns be grown from seeds?
Although Staghorn Ferns can be grown from spores ( like seeds), it can take a very long time.
How to propagate staghorn ferns?from gardeningknowhow.com
This can be done by cutting a full plant in half with a serrated knife – as long as there are plenty of fronds and roots on both halves they should be fine.
What are Staghorn Fern Pups?from gardeningknowhow.com
Staghorn fern pups are little plantlets that grow off of the parent plant. In nature these pups will eventually grow into new, whole plants. The pups will be attached underneath the brown, dry shield fronds of the plant.
How do you divide a staghorn?from shuncy.com
Staghorn ferns grow in large clumps, and they will easily divide when you separate the plants.
When to collect staghorn fern spores?from gardeningknowhow.com
Collect staghorn fern spores when the tiny, brownish black dots are easy to scrape from the bottom side of the fronds– usually in summer. Staghorn fern spores are planted on the surface of a layer of well-drained potting media, such as a bark or coir-based compost.
Can you plant staghorn ferns in a peat pot?from gardeningknowhow.com
Some gardeners have success planting staghorn fern spores in peat pots. Either way, it’s critical that all tools, planting containers, and potting mixes are sterile. Once staghorn fern spores are planted, water the container from the bottom using filtered water. Repeat as needed to keep the potting mix lightly moist but not soaking wet.
Do Staghorn Ferns Have Roots?from gardeningknowhow.com
Although staghorn ferns are epiphytic air plants, they do have roots. If you have access to a mature plant, you can remove small offsets (also known as plantlets or pups), along with their root systems. According to University of Florida IFAS Extension, this is a straightforward method that involves simply wrapping the roots in damp sphagnum moss. The small root ball is then attached to a mount.
How do staghorn ferns reproduce?
Image by terex. Staghorn ferns are fascinating specimens. While they reproduce through spores, a much more common method of propagation is through pups, small plantlets that grow off of the mother plant. Keep reading to learn more about removing staghorn fern pups and staghorn fern pup propagation.
What are Staghorn Fern Pups?
Staghorn fern pups are little plantlets that grow off of the parent plant. In nature these pups will eventually grow into new, whole plants. The pups will be attached underneath the brown, dry shield fronds of the plant.
What do I need to mount a fern?
For this method of mounting the fern, you will need something that can hold the plant, but which has a flat bottom. I recommend using a piece of aluminum.
What to use to mount a staghorn?
You can also use something less natural, such as a wire basket. However, whatever you choose as the mount, it must allow the Staghorn’s roots to take hold and must offer sufficient support to hold the plant as it grows.
How to tie a fern in place?
This can be done quite simply by placing the fern where you want it to be and using a soft wire, or string, to tie it in place.
What is a staghorn?
Essentially, a Staghorn is a type of air plant. It takes all its nutrients and water from the atmosphere. The roots only attach the plant to the tree.
What are the leaves on a staghorn?
The Staghorn has two types of leaves: the typical ‘antlers’, which are long and stick out from the center of the plant; and the ‘shield’, which are hard and round and grow around the base of the plant, protecting the roots.
Can a staghorn grow in the ground?
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.
Can you put ferns outside?
You can also put the fern outside on a tree, or even mounted on a fence. This will really only suit warm climates.
